Magaluf isn’t exactly the kind of place you would expect to be up and coming in the tattoo world. Situated on the South West of the Balearic Island of Majorca, Magalluf is more famous for having one of the longest beaches on the Calvia coast, lots of sun and for it’s Boozy Brit nightlife. With it’s nickname, Shagalluf, you’d be more than justified in believing that it’s resident tattooists would be more inclined to be tattooing Bulldogs on pissed up Brits. I have to admit, that was my thought the first time I went to Magalluf, but that was before I met Ezequiel Nunez of Enigma Tattoo Studio.

I first became aware of Ezequiel’s work while I was Dj’ing in a club across the other side of the Island. We took a day out to Magaluf and had a look around the various tattoo shops. The work on display outside Enigma really stood out. Situated on Magaluf’s main strip, the studio is in a great location. Display boards full of beautifully executed black and grey realistic tattoos were instantly noticeable from the street. Only being there for the day meant I didn’t get much chance to chat, but the following year I returned to Magalluf and got talking to Ezequiel. We chatted, with Candy, his wife, translating for us. I ended up leaving Magalluf that time with the back of my right hand tattooed with a Paul Booth style demon, done freehand from just a few lines drawn on with a skin marker.

We kept in touch and Ezequiel began to work on the European convention circuit, his work gaining momentum and he began to win a multitude of awards at conventions both in Europe and South America. I believe the count was over 20 worldwide in his first year of touring, Taking awards in the UK, amongst others, for Best of Sunday at Manchester Skintech 2005 and Best Black and Grey at State of the Art, Derby also in 2005. Not one to stay in one mould, his colour work has gained as much praise as his B&G, and each tattoo seems to raise the bar for the next one. I spoke to Eze via email and this is what he had to say.

How did your interest in art arise, and how did that lead you into tattooing?

"My interest in art first started first and foremost with my family. My mother always had a passion for art and music and encouraged this in all her children from an early age. Also my sister was painting in our house, and being around that led me to study under a portrait artist for 2 years. When got my first tattoo, from the very moment that I sat in that chair, knew that was what I wanted to do with the rest of my life."

So when and where did you first get tattooed?

"My first tattoo was in 1994 in a shop in Mar del Plata, in Argentina. It was an eye on my arm."

Did you follow a traditional apprenticeship route or did you teach yourself?

"I am self-taught. One month after having a tattoo myself, I started tattooing from my house. This snowballed so quickly, and I had so many people wanting tattoos that I decided to open my own shop, which was to be the first one in my hometown of Tandil, Buenos Aires, Argentina."

How did you end up moving from Argentina to Majorca?

"I decided I really needed some new experiences in my life in order for my work to keep improving. I had a good friend, Sifon, who was living in Spain who was always trying to get me to come over, and it made a lot of sense because our two countries speak the same language. It was a great move for me."

I know your work in Majorca is very seasonal because of the tourist trade, and you go back to Argentina in winter to work in Tandil. How does the Argentine tattoo scene compare to Europe?

"I think the tattoo scene in Argentina is pretty much the same as the rest of the world. Tattoos are massively popular over there, with new shops springing up all the time and good tattoo conventions too. I find that the level of hygiene and professionalism is very high and the quality of tattoos is always good."

Magaluf is a very English resort, do you find this limits the kind of work you get to do while working in Enigma?

"Sometimes, but I do get to work on some great projects too. People are becoming a little more open to suggestions, and displaying good work helps to bring in more good work."

So what is your favourite kind of work to do? Do you get much time still to draw, as you seem so busy travelling the world to conventions?

"I love realistic work. This stems from my experience as a portrait artist I guess. I’m a big fan of portraits, creepy stuff, but also love to do pin ups too. I’ve recently been bringing more colour into the work I do because I think it adds an extra dimension, and a good contrast between Black and Grey and colour means my work is constantly evolving.

I have always kept up with drawing, but depending on how busy I am tattooing, I don’t have as much spare time as I used to. The last six months or so, I’ve used drawing as a way of relaxing and to chill out more."

Who would you say have been the biggest influences for you in the tattoo world?

"I wouldn’t say I’ve had one specific influence, but looking at some of the work that great artists put out really makes me aspire to improve my work. I’d list amongst my favourite tattoo artists, Tony Ciavarro, Guy Aitchison, Tin Tin, Manu, Robert Hernandez, Tom Renshaw, Aaron Cain, St Marq, Monte. Out of these, Monte is my favourite, although I think Guy Aitchison is really showing the way forward in technique."

This has been a good year for you at conventions. What’s the best thing about them for you?

"Well, it’s nice when other artists appreciate my work. I think everyone feels the same about that. It’s nice to share work and get feedback from people you respect. I don’t feel in competition with other artists while working at conventions. It’s more important to spend your time learning and there is a whole wealth of information to learn from people who work in so many different styles at conventions. It gives me the chance to make some really good friends from around the world, which is one of the really great things about this job. Our industry is full of good people with a lot to share.

There is a cultural difference between the South American and European conventions, and that shows in the types of work I get asked to do at these shows. Having said that, the passion for great tattoos is the same wherever in the world I’ve worked, and all conventions have the same friendly atmosphere, whether in Amsterdam or Buenos Aires."

Where do you see your tattoo career taking you next?

"I’m hoping that I can just carry on enjoying working the same as I do now. These are exciting times in tattooing and I hope they carry on for a long time. Thanks to my family for their inspiration."

I must thank Candy for the translation and help with all the emails.

To see more of Eze’s work, please check out www.ezequieltattoo.com