Author: Linn Grucz Stokke
Photos: Hamish Burson
At The Dark Gallery, tattoos are more than just art. For some, they are a powerful reminder of the past and a motivator for the future.
This is Mathias' story.
Mathias Kastholt (right) is a 31-year-old ADK specialist from Horsens, Denmark, who thrives in the high-tech world of access control systems. When he’s not fine-tuning security solutions, he’s fine-tuning himself at the gym. By night, he’s a passionate tattoo enthusiast with a deep love for dark art, a love that has come to life through the hands of freehand tattoo artist Anders Grucz.
For Mathias, tattoos are more than ink on skin - they’re an expression of his appreciation of art, his personality, his values, and his journey.
A Life of Balance: Between Hard Work and Dark Art
Mathias spends his days configuring and programming complex security systems, where every detail matters. “In my line of work, you don’t get to be creative in the same way you can with tattoos,” he shares. For him, tattoos provide a canvas to express another side of himself, one that isn’t bound by rules or codes but instead thrives in the dark, imaginative world of horror.
On his right arm, Mathias sports his favorite tattoo - a haunting, horror-inspired face with sharp teeth. A piece that, as he puts it, “judges those who look at it.” It’s a personal statement and a source of pride, a piece that feels both fierce and familiar. Mathias believes tattoos say something about who you are, even before you open your mouth.
A Tattoo Journey Built On Trust
Mathias’ journey with Anders began three years ago, introduced by a friend who admired Anders’ work. From the start, Mathias gave Anders complete creative freedom, trusting him to shape a design that would flow with his body’s contours. And from the very first session, Mathias knew he was in the right hands.
Anders begins every design with a sketch directly on the skin, carefully crafting lines to move with the body, bringing out shapes and themes that seem to emerge naturally.
“I love the way Anders makes it all feel so natural,” Mathias explains. “I just show him what I like, and he does the rest.”
A Look to the Future – And an Invitation
Mathias is a man of ambition and adventure. “If my tattoos could talk,” he laughs, “they’d say I work too much but enjoy life every chance I get.”
He dreams of traveling to Japan, revisiting the US, and exploring new cultures - experiences he hopes will one day inspire even more tattoos. “Tattoos are like a map of your life,” he reflects. “They’re reminders of where you’ve been and motivators for where you want to go.”
For anyone considering a tattoo, Mathias has a simple piece of advice: “Find an artist you trust. When you trust your artist and give them creative freedom, they can create something truly special.”
Want to book a session?
For anyone who feels drawn to telling their own story on skin, Anders Grucz’ studio The Dark Gallery awaits - ready to bring your darkest visions to life. Send a booking request or contact us today to learn more: a.grucz@gmail.com.
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