Ruben de Bruin, better known as Vliegwork, is taking his first step beyond the world of tattooing. With Five Finger Scrapbook, he presents his very first sculpture, translating his signature style into a physical, three dimensional artwork for the first time.
Over the past decade, Vliegwork has built an international reputation with a distinctive style that combines classic shading techniques with graphic precision. His recognizable aesthetic has attracted clients from all over the world, many of whom travel to the Netherlands specifically to be tattooed by him. What has existed exclusively on skin for years now enters a new dimension.
After more than ten years, this feels like a natural next chapter. Not a departure from what already exists, but an expansion of it.
“The focus remains on what I do best, with the ambition to express that in new forms.”
From skin to space
Where Vliegwork’s work has always been connected to the human body, sculpture creates room for an entirely new application. His signature style quite literally steps forward into space.
Sketches gain depth, lines leave the surface, and drawings evolve into objects. Starting from the arm, elements extend outward as if the artwork is breaking free from the body itself. It is pulled into physical space, creating a presence that goes beyond the image alone. The visual language remains instantly recognizable while moving into an entirely new dimension.
A first sculpture
The sculpture is based on an arm, inspired by the Hand of God from Michelangelo’s The Creation of Adam. The reference is intentional.
“This is my first step into a new dimension. At its core, it is about creation itself. That one moment when something comes into existence.”
The title refers to a scrapbook: an intuitive and personal collection of images, references and influences that have shaped his artistic language over the years. For the first time, these influences come together in one tangible, physical artwork.
Light as a co-creator
The sculpture is finished with a pink metallic chrome coating that continuously transforms its appearance. Depending on the light, viewing angle and surroundings, the work reveals itself differently each time.
Five Finger Scrapbook is released as a limited edition of five numbered pieces. While each sculpture shares the same form, every piece is finished by hand, making each one unique in reflection and colour.
From Vliegwerk to Vliegwork
The name marks a subtle evolution. Vliegwerk, the name De Bruin introduced early in his career, has grown into a respected name within the international tattoo industry.
The transition to Vliegwork is a small but deliberate change. The foundation remains the same, while the updated spelling reflects a stronger international positioning for this next chapter.
“I have spent fifteen years building this name. It felt natural to carry it forward in a way that works better internationally.”
Launched in Amsterdam
Five Finger Scrapbook was officially launched at Michelin starred restaurant Daalder in Amsterdam, where Vliegwork also introduced a second concept: Wallk in Flash. During the evening, a three dimensional sketch was unveiled as the first preview of a new work that will develop into a wall sculpture.
The choice of Daalder reflects the project’s position at the intersection of contemporary art and relaxed high end culture. Chef Dennis Huwaë curated a special menu for the occasion, creating an immersive experience where visual art and culinary expression came together.
A new chapter
With this first sculpture, Vliegwork begins a clear transition towards autonomous art. The coming years will focus on further developing his work within a spatial and physical artistic practice.
“Within three years, I want to be working almost entirely as an artist. Having the freedom to create what I want every single day is, to me, the ultimate definition of success.”
Ruben de Bruin, better known as Vliegwork, is a tattoo artist and visual artist from Nijmegen, the Netherlands, with an international client base. He began his career at a tattoo studio in Amsterdam in 2016, following his education at art school and completing an apprenticeship there. Over the years, he developed a style entirely his own, combining classical shading techniques with graphic precision, creating a visual language he has yet to see anywhere else. Clients from around the world seek him out specifically for that distinctive style. With Five Finger Scrapbook, he marks his first step into the world of contemporary art.