BlackSwan, a monochrome and graphic tattoo studio
Montreal interior design firm Espace 313 creates BlackSwan, a tattoo studio with elegant lighting. Located in the heart of Montreal, Canada, it is a hub for tattoo artists to gather in an unpretentious destination with a unique character.
Located in the heart of Montreal, Canada, the BlackSwan studio, designed by Espace 313, reflects its surroundings: discreet in appearance, but with distinctive elements that give it an exceptional character and make it a new address for tattoo enthusiasts, marked by an assumed elegance. Drawing on the attractions of the existing location and adding strong, contrasting conceptual interventions, imbued with a contemporary artistic spirit, the designers propose an approach focused on a raw, distinctive materiality. Right from the entrance, the mix of materials and textures immediately captures attention. A plaster-covered reception counter draws the eye, before revealing a metal sculpture that stands before a white veil filtering soft light. Above, the Mobile Chandelier 9 by Michael Anastassiades. The delicate pieces are suspended in an arrangement of linear tubes, geometric light sources, reflective surfaces and balancing weights. They rotate freely, creating a constantly changing lighting configuration. Inspired by a tattoo on pale skin, distinctive dark elements are integrated on a luminous canvas, and contrast is a mainstay of the design concept. Right in the center, an inviting lounge with curved furniture, where a burst of plum color adds a touch of vivacity while contrasting with the vegetation present. Formakami pendant lights, by Jaime Hayon for &Tradition, cluster above the lounge area, reinforcing the curved forms of the furniture. The lounge area is bathed in natural light, but the centerpiece of the tattoo area is a sculptural light installation evoking the unfolding wings of a swan. While captivating, this element doesn’t overshadow the many windows and the magnificent view to the outside. The clean lines and tones give an impression of sterility and cleanliness, in the absence of decoration on the walls. Instead of imposing an artist’s identity on the premises, the focus is solely on the artwork created in the tattoo designs.
