Welcome to MUSEO: Interview with Benjamin Eric
It's hard to believe that someone with such a polished aesthetic and stroke could have taught himself to tattoo by watching YouTube tutorials.
When Benjamin Eric rented this beautiful studio in GràciaIt was hard to imagine that his artistic style would fit so well with the space. Both have something classic, something modern and something dark in the best sense of the word: calm, cosy, with a hint of mystery. Today, Benjamin is a professional whose art looks great on the skin of people all over the world. Come and see. Welcome to MUSEUM.
Tell us about yourself and your work. Where did your vocation start? Any first memories?
I am a tattoo artist and owner of the studio MUSEO. I started tattooing three years ago in Berlin. I am a self-taught artist, I started in the kitchen at home with a YouTube tutorial.
My inspiration and my visual language are based on Victorian illustration, old medical books, botanical journals...
What do you find most satisfying about your work, and any that you are particularly proud of?
As a tattoo artist, I get satisfaction from having the power to change people's lives. The great thing about tattoos is that they are permanent and timeless. Being able to change people's bodies, to bring their stories to life, to help end a relationship, to cover an unwanted scar... This is the beauty and power of my work: adding value to the human body is MUSEO's and my motto.
What is your creative process like? What are your sources of inspiration?
My genre within tattooing is "surreal black illustration". My inspiration and visual language is based on Victorian illustration, old medical books, botanical journals, basically something from the past, something we have lost today. I collect antiques, clocks, books, lighters, toys... They are time capsules: they age, they break, they lose their function over time. I'm here to continue this aesthetic through tattooing.
Favourite colour, film and album - in that order!
"Favourite" is a very big word. I'm Aries, I like too many things and I'm very ambitious. It's hard to pick favourites, but:
Colour, dark royal red. Passionate, deep, calm.
Film, any Ghibli Studio film.
Music, Sigur Rós and Rhye.
Is your home a reflection of who you are? Tell us what it smells like, your favourite corner, your favourite decorative object or piece of furniture, if you treasure a collection...
I created the MUSEO studio in Gràcia, one of the best areas of Barcelona. It is an extraordinary private space for tattooing and art. The studio is designed exclusively for people to enjoy a relaxing, cosy and sophisticated tattooing experience. The aroma of a vintage shop, the beautiful antique furniture that I have collected over time. My favourite piece is the vintage tattoo bed I found in Berlin. It is historic and beautiful.
If you could buy anything right now and take it home, what would it be? Anything!
My dream is to buy a good antique drawing table.
A great plan at home always includes...
My girlfriend and my three cats.
Do you have a signature dish?
I don't cook, otherwise someone would end up in hospital.
What is your favourite place in your city?
In Hong Kong, my hometown, there are too many favourite places. Victoria Harbour, one of the most beautiful and significant places in Hong Kong.
Anything you want to tell us that we haven't asked you, speak now or forever hold your peace!
About MUSEUM: think of an afternoon in a museum, a coffee break in a small café, a quiet moment in a second-hand bookshop. MUSEUM is more a feeling, an aesthetic, a visual and almost spiritual impression, than a rational concept.
