Definition
Where does Trash Polka come from?
Trash Polka was created by Simone Pfaff and Volko Merschky of Buena Vista Tattoo Club in Würzburg, Germany, in the 2000s. They combined realism, calligraphy and graphic elements, using only red and black ink.
The style has spread worldwide and inspired countless variations. Original Trash Polka remains trademarked by Buena Vista, though 'trash-polka inspired' work is widely practised.
Examples
- Early Buena Vista portraits with red slashes
- Modern trash-polka sleeves worldwide
- Collage-like compositions with mixed media