Born Abhinandan Basu in Kolkata, India, Obi broke with societal norms to pursue his passion for tattooing—an unconventional path for someone from Kolkata’s lower-middle-class Bengali background. His journey began while studying biotechnology, when a personal tattooing experience turned his attention to the art form. In 2007, Obi officially launched as a tattoo artist and quickly gained recognition for his versatility, precision, and unique style rooted in his Bengali heritage.

Although self-taught and without formal art training, Obi’s determination and skill have propelled him to the international stage. He developed a signature aesthetic called “Bongostyle” (bongo means “home” in Bengali), incorporating elements of Bengali culture such as alpana, kalighat patachitra (scroll paintings), and sarachitra (pottery), blending them into modern, bespoke body art. This innovative approach, combined with his exploration of stippling, sacred geometry, and influences from Japanese tattoo art, has cemented his reputation as a pioneer in the tattoo world.

Known for his versatility, Obi excels in a variety of styles, particularly mandalas and his signature bongo style. As a jack-of-all-trades, however, no motif is beyond his grasp. His precision, passion, and tireless pursuit of perfection are evident in each of his designs. While tattooing in India has evolved from an underground movement to mainstream culture, Obi maintains a deep respect for the roots of this art. He is dedicated to creating meaningful, culturally resonant tattoos that reflect both his heritage and the visions of his clients.