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Seurat inspired tattoo backpiece, famous pointillism art reimagined by Kuya at Dark Water in the Bay Area
Dali flower tattoo featuring flowers in a surreal blackwork pot
Surreal snake charmer tattoo by Kuya at Dark Water in the Bay Area
Porsche tattoo featuring a custom illustration by Kuya, classic porsche getting gas at the station
Blackwork Snake tattoo on thigh by Kuya who tattoos at Dark Water in the Bay Area.
Disney x Dali Destino Tattoo by Kuya in Bay Area tattoo atelier Dark Water.
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Monstera tattoo coming out of a pot with 3 faces, a surreal botanical tattoo by Kuya
Dotwork skeleton lovers by Kuya a surreal tattoo with two skeletons almost holding hands
flower-print tiger tattoo, a surreal cat tattoo by Kuya now tattooing at Dark Water Berkeley
Matching clavicle flower tattoos by Kuya in blackwork
Olive wreath tattoo wrapping around forearm by Kuya, Dark Water's classical illustrator and tattooer
faceless woman on her knees surreal blackwork tattoo by Kuya
Surreal Eyeball plants by Kuya, Bay Area surrealism tattoo artist
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Ouroboros tattoo centered on the chest in blackwork by Kuya, Bay Area classical and surrealism tattooer.
Carp tattoo on leg (calf) by Kuya, large fish in shaded blackwork
Surreal chest wing tattoo by Kuya, surrealism tattoos in the Bay Area, CA
Symmetrical snake tattoo two-headed snake wrapping around the neck
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Vintage microphone tattoo by surreal artist Kuya - classical fine line black and grey design at Dark Water Berkeley tattoo studio
Botanical monstera plant tattoo by Kuya - fine line nature-inspired design combining classical technique with modern aesthetics at Dark Water Berkeley
Ornate decorative by artist Kuya - religious fine line design
Detailed fig botanical forearm sleeve tattoo by Kuya - classical fruit and leaf composition with fine line shading technique at Dark Water Berkeley surreal tattoo studio
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KUYA

Meet Dark Water’s surreal tattoo artist…

Kuya brings classical fine art training to surreal tattoo artistry at Dark Water in Berkeley. Starting his artistic journey at 16 with inspiration from Salvador Dalí, he pursued formal education in figure drawing and oil painting to master the technical precision that sets his tattoos apart in the Bay Area.

What makes Kuya's approach unique is how his classical training translates into tattoo work—his understanding of anatomy, light, and composition means your Renaissance-inspired piece, botanical design, or surreal concept will have the depth and technical excellence of a fine art painting. Whether you're drawn to his elegant wildlife compositions or meticulously rendered anatomical studies, Kuya's refined aesthetic sensibility ensures every tattoo is both artistically sophisticated and beautifully executed.

His distinctive fine line and bold work seamlessly blends rigorous classical technique with imaginative surreal vision, creating pieces that stand as wearable art. Clients throughout the East Bay seek out Kuya specifically for tattoos that require both artistic vision and technical mastery.

  • What an amazing experience at Dark Water! The shop is incredibly clean and welcoming, with snacks, drinks and toiletries at your disposal. My artist, Kuya, was wasy to communicate with, very prompt and friendly, and the work was immaculate! If you’re looking to get tatted in the Bay, do it here!!!

    ★★★★★
    Raetana S.

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