After our exhibition Taboo: Ukiyo-e and the Japanese Tattoo earlier this year, we at Ronin Gallery are thrilled to see Japan's foremost tattoo artist, Horiyoshi III, featured on VICE. In this short video, he asserts that irezumi (tattoos) are far more than art: they are a union of art and spirit.

Horiyoshi III explains that his work embodies a commitment to three points: shu, to succeed to a tradition, ha, to add new concepts and techniques, and ri, to develop ha further and create one's own world, to transcend one's self. Ronin Gallery's collection of his paintings and drawings reveal this philosophy in practice. Whether portraying the brave heroes of the Suikoden or a frightening slew of oni, Horiyoshi III captures the vital energy of his subjects across needle, pencil and brush.