Entre Quatre Murs presents the new BlackSwan studio, newly established in the heart of Montreal, within the boundaries of the Mile-Ex neighborhood, and designed to reflect its surroundings: unassuming in appearance, yet with distinctive elements that give it a unique character as the new gathering place for Montreal tattoo enthusiasts.

Tattooing, differently

"In an era of increasing tattoo democratization since the beginning of the century, as well as a desire for personal affirmation and ownership of one's own body, the tattoo salon offering has continued to grow, with a desire to differentiate itself from the sometimes-intimidating appearance typically associated with these places," says Gatline Artis, owner and lead designer at Entre Quatre Murs. "It is in this perspective that the client approached us with the ambition to reinvent the traditional image of the tattoo salon, favoring a soft and refined aesthetic."

The team of designers aimed to create a bespoke space imbued with unapologetic elegance, appealing to a clientele in search of a unique and exceptional experience. Leveraging the existing space's attractions, and adding strong and contrasting conceptual interventions blended with a contemporary artistic spirit, Entre Quatre Murs proposed an approach focused on showcasing raw and distinctive materiality.

One of the major challenges of the project was to work with precise budget constraints. In this regard, the team developed the concept around numerous techniques and tricks to significantly limit construction costs, including the subtle integration of prefabricated cabinetry.

A singular and contrasting materiality

As soon as you enter the space, the harmony of materials and textures immediately captures your attention, setting the initial notes of a memorable experience. In the foreground, a plaster-covered reception desk attracts the eye with its meticulously crafted texture, proudly rising in front of an enigmatic metal sculpture, itself rising in front of a delicate white veil that filters soft light. A true work of art, this ribbon of raw steel gently undulates and elegantly envelops the entrance furniture. Moreover, an interplay of different materials, such as a concrete floor, carpet and visitor chair textiles, and a variety of mirrors, contributes to perfecting this eclectic composition of materials that welcomes visitors into a truly unique universe. The whole is an invitation to explore the uniqueness of the place.

Like a tattoo on the skin, the aspiration to integrate distinctive dark elements into a brighter universe guided the designers' thinking, and contrast became one of the fundamental pillars of the concept. Accordingly, bordering the entrance and lounge area, a black architectural cube elegantly houses all the utilitarian functions of the studio: storage, wardrobe, kitchen, and display shelves. Three black arches, subtly echoing the curves of the logo, mark the entrance to the creative space, while also providing a view of the artists at work from the lounge area.

Creativity first

At the heart of the project, the soft and welcoming lounge area is characterized by furniture with curved forms, as well as a splash of plum color that adds a touch of vivacity and contrasts with the vegetation present in the space. In this place, bathed in abundant natural light, tattoo artists and clients gather to collaborate, exchange, and relax in a pleasant atmosphere conducive to creativity.

Unusual in the world of tattoo studios, the minimalist-looking work area gives an impression of sterility and immaculateness, notably due to the absence of visual distractions on the walls. The deliberate non-customization of the workstations, desired by the owner, does not impose an artist's identity on the space, allowing the emphasis to be solely placed on the ongoing creations.

The centerpiece of the tattooing area is a sculptural light installation, subtly evoking the unfolding of a swan's wings and echoing the studio's graphic identity. Although captivating, this element does not overshadow the numerous windows with magnificent external views.

Working closely with the client throughout the entire process, the Entre Quatre Murs team leveraged sought-after tactile materiality, distinctive elements, and powerful contrasts to create a strong identity anchored in the values of this new Montreal tattoo studio that is sure to continue making a name for itself.