Body Parts is a unique exhibition of work, on show at Grenache Wine Bar in Thompson Avenue, on April 19, from 5pm.

Presented by Phillip Island Tattoo the group show featuring local, Australian and overseas tattooists and artists, is focused on the human form.

Curator Ian "Bugsy" Christensen said the exhibition is a chance to see what 30 different individuals create when they're given a theme.

While not everyone involved in the exhibition is a tattoo artist, Bugsy said he wanted to show that tattooists are artists in their own right.

"The overarching theme is body parts, which is a play on tattooing, which works on the human body," Bugsy explained.

"But here we're taking a step back and making the human body the subject, rather than part of the process."

A tattoo artist with 23 years' experience, Bugsy said the exhibition includes the people he works with at Phillip Island Tattoo, as well as some of his favourite tattoo and local artists.

"Basically it includes a selection of people who have visited or worked at our shop over the last three years.

"Some are local, while others are from Sydney, Melbourne, even Perth."

The exhibition includes ceramics, paintings in various mediums, digital art and photography.

It also features Bugsy's personal hero, influential American tattooist Chad Koeplinger, who is sending artwork from America for the exhibition.

Inspiration

Bugsy said the show was a chance for people to see what inspires tattoo artists.

"It will be interesting to see the influence tattooing has on the art, but also just to see art for art's sake."

He also hopes it will provide a networking opportunity for a different group of island artists.

"The last few years have been a tough time for all creatives and artists. I didn't want to be passive in it. I wanted to try and do something about it.

"It's a way to show there are creative people down here, a way to help your mates.

"The gathering itself is a good mental health thing and it's a way for artists to connect in the real world."

He also hopes it will show people there is more to tattooing.

"With tattooing, you either like it or pretty much have no interest, but an art show is a lot more relatable.

"In the past, tattooists were complete outsiders, but now if you're a young creative person and want to make a living through art, it's an attainable pathway.

"It's gone from something frowned upon to completely mainstream ... and there's much more artistically to it than just a tattoo.

"I want to show there is another side to tattooing. It shouldn't be a surprise that people in creative areas can do other things. They're not one trick ponies."

Body Parts opens at 5pm on April 19 at Grenache Wine Bar and is a free event.

All the artwork will be for sale and available for collection on the night.