Light fantastic: Papi shines at Lights of Soho

Portfolio meets the man behind the illuminated tattoo art currently dazzling London's private members' club

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Papi in front of Misunderstood

"In the right light, at the right time, everything is extraordinary," says Beautiful Losers curator Aaron Rose. It's a quote that seems tailor-made for the artwork of Tatt Light's Roger Taylor – or "Papi", as he's more known by his friends.

Papi's work marries vintage-style lights with the bold, brash strokes of tattoo art, transforming naïve lines into intricate mixtures of shadow and light. In the hands of this self-taught artist, iconic inkings such as love-hearts, playing cards and mermaids take on new life, leading to sell-out shows in London and exhibitions around the world, as well as collaborations with renowned street artists such as Pegasus.

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