Scars, Tattoos & Skateboards: The Rise of the Phoenix

Polymorph Art Gallery is hosting a 2 week exhibition as part of Fringe Festival. ‘Scars, Tattoos & Skateboards: The Rise of the Phoenix’ will feature the art of Paul Stragapede; an electrician-come tattooed man-come phoenix. Stragapede was part of a work cover debacle with Energy Australia when in the course of his work he suffered third degree burns across his chest, upper arms and most of his back. Stragapede argued that as part of his rehabilitation Energy Australia should cover the cost of tattooing over the scarred areas… and he won! Stragapede’s work is fun and fiery, consisting of a series of photos explaining his story, a film documenting much of the tattooing process as well as 12 long skateboards he has hand-painted with tattoos from his own body. ‘Scars, Tattoos & Skateboards: the Rise of the Phoenix” is more than just a documentary process, it is the journey of a man instilling meaning into disaster and rising from the ashes in an alternative and relevant way. Opening Night: Tuesday September 14th, 7:30pm – 9pm For more information contact Paul at ASRA or visit the Polymorph website