I looked out of the window and the only thought that came through my mind was “bloody weather”. It was pretty nasty out there, aggressive showers and blistering winds. I was that close to get the sleepers back on but I reminded myself that ‘Under her skin ‘ is the first ever show by this newly born gallery – Atomica gallery, and this was enough to galvanise the small amount of motivation I had and turned into some sort of excitement.

A quick (and unexpected) bus journey took me down to Armhurst Terrace where Atomica gallery is located. The gallery actually sits nicely in the middle of Hackney Downs Studios, which have been in service since 2011 and which consists of events spaces and over 70 serviced studios and workspaces for creative businesses.

As I stepped in, I could not help noticing the relatively small size of the gallery but also the large patio that the gallery benefits from and which was, according to Corey, the graphic designer for the gallery and the person I met that day, pretty convenient to accommodate the large amount that turned up at the opening night.

For their first show, the gallery has paired with Things&Ink magazine, a publication which reflects on tattoo culture from a feminine perspective. ‘Under Her Skin’ has been curated by Things&Ink editor Alice Snape and marks the first anniversary of the magazine and the launch of ‘The Art Issue’. The show features work from 12 female tattoo artists who have appeared in the magazine’s pages over the past year.

I will definitely go back there.

Here is our picks

“The Bare Bones” by Charissa Gregson (Jolie Rouge, London UK)

Cobra Girl by Vicky Morgan (Ghost House, Derby UK) (left) | “Elisabeth” by Lucy Pryor (Into You, London UK)

“Medusa” by by Lucy Pryor (Into You, London UK) (left) | “Ruby” by Amy Victoria Savage (Jayne Doe, Hornchurch UK)

Where – Atomica gallery – Hackney Downs Studios Amhurst Terrace E8 2BT London UK
What – ‘Under Her Skin’
When – September 12th – 30th 2013