From 6th to 8th June, Venice hosted a new event in the world of tattooing: Icons & Prodigies – The Ultimate Tattoo Convention Experience, which transformed the classic idea of a convention into a collective experience, celebrating the stylistic diversity and artistic depth of tattooing.
Organised by Alex De Pase, this event was conceived with a specific concept, encapsulated in the title itself: Icons and Prodigies came together here, united by the same passion for tattooing.
The venue was divided by styles, with a rigorous selection of the protagonists: the “crown jewels” – as defined by the event curators – of each artistic genre.
But Icons & Prodigies went far beyond simple tattooing. The main stage hosted high-level free seminars featuring the artists Carlo Alberto Palumbo, Antonio De Luca and Eric Drummond, who offered the audience intense moments of technique, vision, and ethical reflection. Also very popular were the live workshops with real models and the lecture on Artificial Intelligence, which opened up a debate on the new frontiers of digital imagination.
A particularly moving moment was the presentation of the Modern Tattoo Hall of Fame (MTHOF). All tattooists present gathered below the stage, in a silence full of respect, to witness the unveiling of the first names to be inducted into the history of tattooing. Emotional too was the live connection with three international legends: Guy Aitchison, Paul Booth and Kari Barba, who shared deeply inspiring thoughts and visions.
During the final day, the ceremony for special awards was also held: the 5 Legends of the Industry, tributes to those who have greatly influenced the global development of tattooing, and the presentation of the Undisputed Ace belt, the highest recognition of the edition. Following this, the celebration of the 10 winners of the Crystal Needle Award, awarded with CN2025 engraved rings – a lasting symbol of an extraordinary achievement. Unmissable were the tattoo contests, experienced in a spirit of mutual admiration and not competition, with over 60 tattoos worthy of first place.
Among the side events, moments of shared creativity stood out: from the relaxed Drink and Draw at sunset on the terrace, among cocktails and spontaneous sketches, to the spectacular Creative Mega Art Fusion – a collective eight-metre-long artwork created spontaneously by artists, in a powerful visual and symbolic fusion.
Icons & Prodigies proved that excellence, respect, awareness, and community can be brought together. An event that focused entirely on content, quality, and the courage to make bold choices.
Crystal Needle Award 2025 – Elegance, excellence and art at Palazzo Vendramin Calergi
On 5 June 2025, in the breathtaking setting of Palazzo Vendramin Calergi, the first edition of the Crystal Needle Award was held – the recognition that celebrates absolute excellence in contemporary tattooing.
Not just a prize, but a tribute to authenticity and artistic vision. Competing for it were the Prodigies invited to Icons & Prodigies: ten stylistic categories, five nominees per category, one winner per style. The judges were fifty tattoo legends – the Icons – voting through a dedicated platform, in a rigorous and transparent process.
The refined and moving ceremony saw artists arriving in elegant attire, by boat or on foot through the Venetian alleyways. After a garden aperitif, the atmosphere turned magical in the frescoed hall, with a video presentation dedicated to the Icons and several minutes of uninterrupted applause.
Category after category, the winners were announced amid enthusiasm, emotion and sincere embraces. The most intense moment? The ten artists together on stage – a symbol of a united and vibrant community.
There, under the lights and atop history, was the essence of everything tattooing can become when brought to its highest level. The evening then continued with dinner, toasts and a party lasting into the night – the perfect close to a truly special night in the world of tattooing.
