Trash polka is a tattoo style that combines realistic elements with graphics, typography and abstract splashes. It is built on two colours: black and red. Its compositions look like a collage of newspapers, posters and photographs.
Where does trash polka come from?
The style was created by artists at the Buena Vista Tattoo Club in Würzburg, Germany. The name refers to combining a "trash" aesthetic with the rhythm of a polka, a contrast between chaos and order. Over time trash polka gained followers all over the world.
How do you recognise trash polka?
- Black and red areas, smears, splatters and geometric shapes.
- Realistic fragments, such as faces, eyes or animals.
- Letters, numbers and fragments of text woven into the composition.
The style looks best at a large scale, for example on a sleeve or back. It needs an artist who is equally at home with realism and graphics. It is related to blackwork, with which it shares strong contrast. We explain how to choose a style for your own idea in Choosing a tattoo style: a guide.