Antoine Temata
Polynesian/Maori Tattoo Artist
About me
People know me as Temata, but my real name is Antoine. I am 40 years old, of French-Dutch origin, and I grew up on Moorea, one of the Society Islands in French Polynesia, where I lived for 12 years.
I am a professional tattoo artist with over 15 years of experience, specializing in various Polynesian tattoo styles. I work mainly freehand, allowing each tattoo to be drawn directly on the body and carefully adapted to the individual.
From an early age, I was deeply influenced by Polynesian culture and the rich tattoo traditions of the South Pacific. These influences shaped my artistic vision early on and gradually became a fundamental part of my own culture and identity.
During my school years, I lived in a boarding school, where I was in daily contact with young people from different Polynesian island groups. It was in this environment that my first drawings and first tattoo designs emerged, along with a growing interest in the meaning, structure, and organization of traditional motifs. At the same time, I had the opportunity to meet local tattoo artists and craftsmen, observe their working methods, and gain early insight into traditional knowledge. These personal encounters, combined with ongoing research and consistent practice, laid the foundation for my current approach to Polynesian tattooing.
Today, my work reflects this journey: tattoos deeply rooted in Polynesian tradition, created with respect and authenticity, and always developed with a strong focus on personal meaning, individually adapted to each person.
I am a professional tattoo artist with over 15 years of experience, specializing in various Polynesian tattoo styles. I work mainly freehand, allowing each tattoo to be drawn directly on the body and carefully adapted to the individual.
From an early age, I was deeply influenced by Polynesian culture and the rich tattoo traditions of the South Pacific. These influences shaped my artistic vision early on and gradually became a fundamental part of my own culture and identity.
During my school years, I lived in a boarding school, where I was in daily contact with young people from different Polynesian island groups. It was in this environment that my first drawings and first tattoo designs emerged, along with a growing interest in the meaning, structure, and organization of traditional motifs. At the same time, I had the opportunity to meet local tattoo artists and craftsmen, observe their working methods, and gain early insight into traditional knowledge. These personal encounters, combined with ongoing research and consistent practice, laid the foundation for my current approach to Polynesian tattooing.
Today, my work reflects this journey: tattoos deeply rooted in Polynesian tradition, created with respect and authenticity, and always developed with a strong focus on personal meaning, individually adapted to each person.
After attending PaoPao College in Cook Bay (Moorea) and Paul Gauguin High School in Papeete (Tahiti), I continued my studies in applied arts and social sciences in France.
Over the past ten years, I have traveled extensively to deepen my tattoo practice, regularly returning to different parts of Polynesia to maintain a strong connection with its cultures and traditions.
My professional journey has led me to work in various tattoo studios and countries, including French Polynesia, New Zealand, Canada, France, the French West Indies, the Dutch West Indies, the Netherlands, Switzerland, and Germany.
Throughout these experiences, I have had the opportunity to collaborate with artists from all over the world, enriching my approach and broadening my artistic perspective.
In 2020, I founded my first studio in Krefeld.
In 2024, I chose to relocate the studio to Tönisvorst, with the aim of offering a more privileged and serene environment, particularly suited to clients traveling from other regions or countries and staying for several days. This move also allowed for a larger and more comfortable workspace, better aligned with my way of working.
The new studio has been open since May 2024. It is designed to provide comfort, privacy, and calm, and will continue to evolve over time in line with the needs of my work and my clients.
Over the past ten years, I have traveled extensively to deepen my tattoo practice, regularly returning to different parts of Polynesia to maintain a strong connection with its cultures and traditions.
My professional journey has led me to work in various tattoo studios and countries, including French Polynesia, New Zealand, Canada, France, the French West Indies, the Dutch West Indies, the Netherlands, Switzerland, and Germany.
Throughout these experiences, I have had the opportunity to collaborate with artists from all over the world, enriching my approach and broadening my artistic perspective.
In 2020, I founded my first studio in Krefeld.
In 2024, I chose to relocate the studio to Tönisvorst, with the aim of offering a more privileged and serene environment, particularly suited to clients traveling from other regions or countries and staying for several days. This move also allowed for a larger and more comfortable workspace, better aligned with my way of working.
The new studio has been open since May 2024. It is designed to provide comfort, privacy, and calm, and will continue to evolve over time in line with the needs of my work and my clients.
I currently live and work in Tönisvorst. Its proximity to major cities such as Krefeld, Düsseldorf, and Cologne is ideal for my work, while the peaceful, rural environment provides the calm and focus necessary for creating high-quality tattoos. Although I continue to travel and work abroad, my primary focus remains on my practice in Germany.
Beyond tattooing, I am passionate about history, anthropology, and tribal cultures, which continue to inspire my work. I also enjoy board sports such as surfing and skating, as well as hiking, running, and exploring various forms of artistic expression.
I am currently developing several projects related to Polynesian tattoo culture, which I look forward to sharing in a future publication.
Beyond tattooing, I am passionate about history, anthropology, and tribal cultures, which continue to inspire my work. I also enjoy board sports such as surfing and skating, as well as hiking, running, and exploring various forms of artistic expression.
I am currently developing several projects related to Polynesian tattoo culture, which I look forward to sharing in a future publication.
