STEF BASTIÀN PRESENTS was born in 2018 as a way to bring the tattoo community together to create meaningful change. Since then, thanks to the generosity of the artists who created and donated their work, the buyers who purchased those artworks, the friends who helped behind the scenes, the magazines and websites who gave the projects visibility, and every little word or act of support along the way, we’ve collectively raised and donated about €136,000 to charities and institutions worldwide.
Some of the incredible artists who took part include names such as Paul Dobleman, Timothy Hoyer, Thomas Hooper, Filip Leu, Henry Lewis, Rafa DeCraneo, Damuele Briganti, Alex Binnie, Rose Hardy, Scott Sylvia, and many more from across the globe.
The concept is simple: I provide the vision and coordinate the project, while artists contribute their creativity. The works are then exhibited and auctioned, with 100% of the profits donated to charity.
Here’s a look at the projects so far:
- 2018 – The March of the Matryoshkas
66 artists worldwide transformed blank Matryoshka dolls into unique sculptures and paintings. Exhibited at the prestigious London Tattoo Convention, the works were auctioned online and raised about €17,000, donated to Save the Children.
- 2019 – Tattoo Fan Club
165 artists decorated traditional Japanese paddle fans, shown in a striking installation at the London Tattoo Convention’s Tobacco Dock. The project raised about €31,000, donated to Operation Underground Railroad, which fights child sex trafficking.
- 2020 – Frontline
285 artists donated paintings, ceramics, sculptures, and tattoo machines. The auction raised about €72,000, split between CESVI Foundation (Italy), Spanish Green Cross, and Masks for America, all supporting hospitals and frontline workers during COVID-19.
- 2021 – The Food Bank Project
Artists gave live classes on Zoom covering tattoo-related topics. Donations from participants raised about €4,000, sent directly to global food banks to help families in need during the pandemic.
- 2022 – Off the Wall Project
Tattooers around the world recreated timeless designs from historic flash, provided by some of the most prestigious collectors and tattoo museums. The project raised an incredible €11,700, donated through GlobalGiving to support Ukrainians impacted by Russia’s invasion.
At its heart, STEF BASTIÀN PRESENTS is about the tattoo community coming together to use creativity and expertise for something bigger than ourselves. It’s proof that art can not only decorate skin—it can also help heal the world.
You can see all the artworks on Instagram at @stef_bastian_presents.
