Sevenmarks Gallery is in the final stages of preparing for its upcoming ‘Underline’ exhibition celebrating the art of the tattoo.

Over the past month, the gallery has invited submissions from people over the age of 18 to design their own original tattoo. Two designs will be selected, and the winners will have the opportunity to receive a free tattoo of their artwork from Rand Tattoo at the exhibition’s opening on 7 October. The gallery will display the winning artworks, as well as original artworks and skateboard decks from the Rand family.

Sevenmarks founder Cobi Cockburn told The Bugle that the concept for Underline came from a desire to connect with people and artists who wouldn’t normally associate themselves with a white-walled gallery, as well as a way to engage young people with the arts.She said that they have received around 30 submissions so far, ranging from loose drawings to curated flash-style tattoos, and even just text.

Sevenmarks Gallery was established on Mark St formerly occupied by Mitchells Removals. Cobi and her partner Chick moved into the space in 2011, removing the old vehicles and shipping containers to transform the lot into a modern architectural masterpiece with a private art gallery and two private studios. 

In 2021, the couple decided to open up the doors of their gallery to the public to help emerging artists by providing a place to exhibit their work outside of a commercial gallery. 

“The idea behind the whole gallery is to be able to work with artists and encourage them to do large scale, interesting works rather than in a commercial gallery where there’s often restrictions,” Cobi told The Bugle.

“Here, we hope to engage in arts on all levels, whether it be performance, visual arts, or even tattooing.”

Cobi is particularly keen to get young people engaged with the arts through Underline. “It’s a ripper opportunity to see tattoos in a different context, rather than from the demographics you’d stereotypically expect to see,” said Cobi.

“Culturally, tattoos are pretty significant. It’s people curating their body and finding identity through it. I think it’s a positive move to encourage that rather than hide it. Let’s help them own that. That will take time, and the beauty of Sevenmarks is that it can be here for the long haul.”

Sevenmarks runs six to eight rotating exhibitions each year, as well as a group show with curated food and alcohol from local vendors. Starting with Underline, Sevenmarks will also showcase emerging artists, and we already know what the next exhibit will be. The gallery will receive a $3000 grant from Kiama Council to create a four-week exhibition called ‘NEW LIGHT’ with an emerging artist, which will take place in June next year.

Underline will debut on Saturday 7 October with live tattooing at 7 Marks Street Kiama and will be on display until 28 October.