Alex Johnston from Skullduggery Tatu at the Ulster Museum
It’s not every day you get to leave a museum with a piece of art, but that’s exactly what’s in store for some adventurous visitors to the Ulster Museum this Valentine’s Day when a pop-up tattoo parlour opens as part of a late night, adults-only event.
Organised by NI Science Festival and Ulster Museum, Late Late Love Lab is your chance to become the canvas for a new work of art inspired by the museum’s art collection, which includes historical and contemporary works of national and international significance.
Turn your expectations of Valentine’s Day inside out at this unforgettable evening exploring the science of love, lust, and the hidden truths behind why we connect – including the opportunity to make your love of tattoos, a significant other, or even the museum itself, permanent with fresh ink by the team from Belfast’s Skullduggery Tatu.
Helen McDonnell, who was the first female tattoo artist in Ireland, and her team recently visited the museum as part of a scouting mission to uncover artworks and objects from its collections that could be incorporated into new tattoo designs.
Helen McDonnell from Skullduggery Tatu at the Ulster Museum
Helen commented:
“We want to create designs that really reflect the richness of the collections. More than reproducing these it’s about incorporating the museum’s artefacts into new works of art. It’s exciting seeing the collections take on a new form.”
For those wanting something less permanent, the Skullduggery Tatu team will also have a selection of temporary tattoos available on the night.
The after hours event for over 18s only will also include a wide range of activities, talks, food stalls, bars, and more taking place in galleries throughout the museum.
Curious minds (and sensual hands!) can get involved in a variety of crafting experiences, including the Scent of Attraction workshop by Lush cosmetics and give your t-shirt some love with a unique screen print by artist Leo Boyd.
Can beauty really kill and do insects enjoy fulfilled sex lives? Join speakers Dr Kathryn Harkup, who will explore the deadly allure of beauty, Jules Howard and Dr. Erica McAlister as they dig deep into the scandalous sex lives of insects, and Dr. Mike Simms investigates the history of gemstones and how they have become a symbol of love.
NI Science Festival director Sarah Jones said:
“We’re all about bringing science to the masses and see the opportunity to welcome a mature audience into the Ulster Museum for an evening of intrigue as a really unique way to rekindle that sense of awe and wonder.”
For its 11th edition, NI Science Festival presents a 12-day extravaganza that will bring science to life with hundreds of events taking place across Northern Ireland from 12th – 23rdFebruary. Established in 2014, the festival has grown to become the largest celebration of its kind on the island of Ireland and one of the leading science festivals in Europe.
Late Late Love Lab takes place at the Ulster Museum on Friday 14th February. Tickets cost £10 per person.
For more information and to book, visit here.