The original name of the style was "Realistic Trash Polka". The decomposition of the title was as follows:
- realistic images (realism)
- graphics, letters and other artistic layers (trash)
- combining everything together as a classical piece of music (Polka)
Later the name is changed by crossing out the word realistic, referring to not wanting to impose strict rules on tattoos.
Simone Plaff and Volker Merschky, founders of a particularly innovative style, combined photorealistic motifs with patterns, lines and typography. Merschky and Pfaff decided to "obey the rules of permanence" and create lasting tattoos. The artist duo describes themselves as inspired by "life and death". In their tattoo work, the pair combine antagonistic elements, often creating images that address issues of beauty and perishability. Therefore, they value the impermanent nature of skin as opposed to paper or other traditional artistic media used as a basis for painting, printing or drawing. Unlike other media, skin is a living organ subject to a variety of conditions and with certain characteristics which plays a decisive importance in artistic production possibilities and limitations.
Their brand name refers to the realism tattoo genre, while "trash" refers to their reused graphic elements work. Merschky explains that they have their name also integrated into the music genre polka to show how “Some of their compositions merge like notes with a music composition". Initially, Pfaff and Merschky had a difficult time finding clients who wanted to get tattooed with Trash Polka designs on their body. Today, however, their new, unconventional aesthetic has become an inspiration for tattoo artists worldwide. The uniqueness of their style combined with excellent technical skills allow them to work free with clients in their studio Würzburg, Germany - Buena Vista Tattoo Club, creating their own very distinctive brand of art.
The truth is simple the brave owns the world. I can tell for myself that it is difficult for adherents of realistic art to express their ideas today. Thanks to such individuals who have dared to create and continue to inspire young minds. The trash
polka style has taken its artistic turn, found supporters and viewers of the genre. The genre combines realistic and abstract art styles using only two ink colors, black and red, that way achieving a mysterious and dramatic effect that initially confuses the viewer. The style is characterized by
thick black lines and a large specific area of skin, which is left to form a natural contrast from the client's skin color, thus achieving depth of work and realistic shading. In contrast, mixing bold and fine lines, dots, geometry, heavy colors and dramatic realism can tell a great story, covering all aspects of human life.
The style is reminiscent of fine art collages as it combines realistic images with stains, smudges and kinetic designs that create a disjointed, chaotic work.
One thing you should keep in mind, that one of the main elements of the style is that it uses images of things that may not be directly related to each other.
This style seeks harmony between opposites - trash; nature and abstract; technology and humanity; past, present and future; opposites, which, according to the authors, should be in harmony and rhythm with the body. This means that the tattoo images have less meaning and therefore the link between the tattoo itself and the person wearing it is weakened (essentially your skin is a billboard poster - for a lifetime). It's a really long-lasting way of saying that you might really like it now, but what's next? Because the piece often has no direct meaning attached to it, will you still like it after you’re used to seeing the design daily?
Each of you will find answers to these questions independently, but the questions must be asked - otherwise you won’t receive answers. Read, think and only then do...
