The Art Of Transformation: The Tattoos Of Joshtriggerart
After spending a year and a half travelling and creating in Bali, South Korea, Thailand and Lisbon, Maltese tattoo artist Joshua Parlato Trigona, known professionally as @joshtriggerart, has returned home, carrying with him a deeply evolved perspective on art, life and the sacred connection between the two.
Josh’s work spans across sacred geometry, dotwork, ornamental and blackwork styles, often weaving in Japanese, Egyptian, Norse and Celtic mythological influences. His art carries a balance between precision and flow, between structure and soul.
Each design is a study in symbolism, intention and timelessness.
But to Josh, tattooing is far more than a visual craft. It’s an exchange of energy, emotion and trust. A dialogue between artist and collector where both bring their stories and something new is born.
“Tattooing is one of the few art forms that asks both artist and collector to be fully present,” he shares. “It’s not just decoration, it’s a deeply human ritual. Through it, we explore who we are and who we’re becoming.”
His larger, body-transformational projects reflect a belief that tattooing is not simply about placing an image on skin, but about transforming the body into a living work of art. The process becomes symbolic, an act of transmutation where pain becomes beauty and vulnerability becomes strength.
Josh’s journey through Asia and Europe deeply shaped this philosophy. His time in Bali taught him to approach creativity with reverence and mindfulness, to see tattooing not as a product but as a spiritual exchange. His visit to Lisbon, Portugal, where he joined an immersive workshop with renowned artist Black Symmetry (Lewis), further deepened his connection to sacred geometry and the meditative discipline behind the craft. These experiences, steeped in culture, symbolism and devotion, helped him understand how art can serve as both healing and transformation.
“Art often arises from our most deeply felt states. Whether of love, loss or renewal,” he says. “It’s how we make sense of what moves us and tattooing is one of the most honest ways we can give rise to those inner experiences. Through tattooing, those emotions are not only expressed but transformed, carried forward as living reminders of who we’ve been and who we continue to become,” he concluded.
Now back in Malta and working from Modern Tribe Tattoo Studio, Josh is taking bookings for the remainder of 2025 and early 2026. His stay on the island may be temporary, as he remains open to new horizons that continue to fuel his growth as an artist and a human being.
For Josh, tattooing is a calling. One rooted in intention, transformation and truth. He hopes his art brings real and lasting value to people’s lives, transmuting and transforming the way they see and feel themselves. Each tattoo is a gift, offered to those who trust him with their skin and their story. A chance to step back into the world renewed, reborn and reconnected with who they truly are.
For any inquiries or bookings, reach out to Josh via Instagram, WhatsApp +356 9975 5478 or email [email protected].