Brazilian street artist José Flavio Audi is mad about mandalas and other esoteric and spiritual designs. He uses mandalas, lotus flowers, jewels and sacred geometry throughout his art, including in his tattoo designs. Audi favours intricate, delicate patterns that are very flowing and organic in nature. His petals seem as soft as real flower petals, and his dot work adornments make spirals that mimic the dance and play of a wisp of wind.
These types of designs are gaining popularity among new age and spiritual movements, such as yoga and meditation movements. Esoteric designs often include a lot of patterns and paisley designs that resemble traditional designs found in parts of Asia such as India. This emerging culture can be seen most frequently in the psytrance scene. Many trance-party-goers practice yoga and meditation and favour designs that resemble spiritual and religious designs from the far east.
Symbols of nature are often found in José Audi’s tattoos, such as animals, birds, insects and flowers (especially lotus flowers), alongside symbols of spiritual awakening and spiritual exploration. He adorns his designs with tiny dots that represent chains, and these chains are dripping with sparkly gems and jewels; symbols of luxury and affluence. This marriage between the natural world and the man-made concept of prosperity is another idea that is emerging from the psytrance scene – it is the idea that in order for one person to flourish, their environment must flourish too. The world is a better place for each of us when we all work together to make it a better place for all of us.
If you’re interested in Audi’s street art, check out this article on Rattatattoo’s sister site, Streets on Art. You can contact José Flavio Audi to commission both street art and tattoos through his facebook page.