Short for Creation as Vice, Crevice is the youth-led tattoo collective that looks to disrupt the status quo. The group consists of four longtime friends—23-year-old ceramic artist Samantha, 23-year-old model and artist Tristen, 22-year-old model and creative Martina, and 24-year-old painter and movement artist Qowomo—and is best known for its organic works that borrow from themes such as goth and the occult. “Crevice is fuelled by raw impulse and a celebration of excess; we look to challenge both ideological and aesthetic norms through our practice,” shares the group.
Working out of a studio nestled within the creative hub that is Pearl’s Hills Terrace, the group was birthed in 2021 as a partnership between Qowomo and Martina. “We were already doing interesting handpoke tattoos in 2020 and were looking for a space to call ours,” reminisces Qowomo. The duo spent the next two years working in a smaller unit in the building before eventually moving upstairs to their current location when Samantha and Tristen joined. “The space is magic; it takes care of us and we take care of it,” Qowomo muses.
To date, Crevice has collaborated with other local creatives, including the subculture-inspired label Lasik and weekend art market Labour Block. The group also participates at communal tattoo events, such as a Halloween-themed flash party last year hosted by underground music collective Strange Weather. “All these collaborations have been so robust; each was memorable in its own way and was always a great time,” muses the group.
Speaking on fashion’s contiguous relationship with tattoos, they are quick to note the similarities between the two. “The realms of tattoo and fashion have long been interdisciplinary,” notes Samantha. “Being able to dress the body, whether it be through ink or materials, is an extension of one’s individualism and marks different times and periods of one’s existence, whether permanent or not.” This sentiment rings true among all the members, with Tristen adding that the process of acquiring a tattoo is often “spiritual and ritualistic” and can be so much deeper than simply buying an article of clothing. “I love the world-building element of tattooing, working with my clients from the initial sketches to the final product,” he remarks.
“The realms of tattoo and fashion have long been interdisciplinary, and are an extension of one’s individualism.”
As for their hopes and dreams, the group remains unserious and ever-curious, inspired by the every day. “Just like particles that bounce within a room, we are always moving with initiative and responsiveness. This belief underlines all the moves we make, whether it be in Singapore or around the region. We wish to shift the currents, to think outside the box and remain relentless in all that drives us.”
Photography Zantz Han
Styling Bryan Ho
Hair Grego Oh using Keune Hair Cosmetics
Make-up Lydia Thong using Mac Cosmetics
Photographer’s assistant Yam Sin Yean
Stylist’s assistant Nurul Firdousee
Vogue Singapore’s April ‘Movement’ issue will be out on newsstands from April and available to preorder online.
