Dialogue: Inked Zodiac with Tattoo Artist Jimmy Shy

Thursday, 2/5/2026
5:00 - 7:00
Chinese Center Exhibit Space - 3rd Fl
Main Library

100 Larkin Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
United States

415-557-4400

For the past 15 years, the tattoo artist Jimmy Shy has been at the forefront of a new generation of tattooers focusing on Asian sailor tattoos, Hong Kong traditional styles, and the legacy of Pinky Yun—with a particular interest in the cultural crosscurrents between East and West. One of 25 artists featured in the exhibition Living Tattoo Traditions: American Irezumi and Beyond, Shy has a satellite exhibition featuring the twelve zodiac animals, Inked Zodiac: The Art of Jimmy Shy, on view in the Chinese Center through March 26. Learn about Shy as he discusses his work with American Irezumi exhibition co-curator Takahiro “Taki” Kitamura.  

About the panelists: 

Born and raised in Taipei, Taiwan, Jimmy has been tattooing for over 15 years. His work has been featured in international media and art publications. Jimmy regularly tours the US with guest appearances in the culture's premier shops and conventions. 

Horitaka (Takahiro Kitamura), also known as “Taki,” is a 1.5 generation Japanese American tattoo artist from San Jose, California. He is a curator and one of the co-curators of the exhibition Living Tattoo Traditions: American Irezumi and Beyond. Taki was born in Japan but moved to America with his parents when he was two years old. 

Connect:  

Jimmy Shy | Instagram 

Takahiro “Taki” Kitamura | Instagram | State of Grace | Website  

 

Chinese American Interest

Connect to engaging discussions and performances related to the Chinese American community.

Art, Architecture & Photography

Learn from world-class designers, artists and experts in their fields. 

Japanese Interest

Connect to engaging discussions and performances related to the Japanese community and culture.

This program is sponsored by Friends of the San Francisco Public Library.

Attending Programs

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This program will be conducted in English unless otherwise noted.

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