Surreal tattoo by Kuya (@kuyatattoos) of a deity with multiple arms, holding a trident and a curved blade, with a crown of skulls around her neck, standing on a pedestal. Find Kuya at Dark Water, Berkeley's top-rated tattoo studio.
Surreal tattoo by Kuya (@kuya.tattoos) featuring a large cluster of detailed blooming flowers on the upper arm, with additional tattoos of a leaf and a butterfly on the lower arm.
Surreal tattoo by Kuya (@kuya.tattoos) of a winged woman at Dark Water, Oakland and Berkeley's top-rated tattoo studio.
Surreal tattoo by Kuya (@kuya.tattoos) of a religious scene on a person's forearm, depicting the Virgin Mary with a sacred heart and a child, with intricate shading and line work at Dark Water, Oakland and Berkeley's top-rated tattoo studio.
Surreal tattoo by Kuya (@kuya.tattoos)of two skeletons with skulls touching on a person's upper arm and shoulder at top-rated Berkeley studio, Dark Water.
Surreal tattoo by Kuya (@kuya.tattoos) Tattoo of a tree with branches made of eye illustrations done at top-rated tattoo studio the Bay Area, Dark Water.
Symmetrical collarbone tattoos by Kuya (@kuya.tattoos), surreal tattoo expert at top-rated tattoo studio, Dark Water, in Berkeley, California
Surreal black and gray tattoo by @kuya.tattoos of two cherubs embracing and kissing, with wings and surrounded by flowers, within an oval frame. Kuya tattoos at Dark Water, East Bay's top rated tattoo studio.
A man with a large, surreal black tattoo on his back featuring a woman in a hooded cloak, a face with glasses above, and cactus plants with flowers surrounding the face. Kuya tattoos at Dark Water, East Bay's top rated tattoo studio. @kuya.tattoos
Seurat inspired tattoo backpiece, famous pointillism art reimagined by Kuya at Dark Water in the Bay Area
Dali flower tattoo featuring flowers in a surreal blackwork pot
Surreal snake charmer tattoo by Kuya at Dark Water in the Bay Area
Porsche tattoo featuring a custom illustration by Kuya, classic porsche getting gas at the station
Blackwork Snake tattoo on thigh by Kuya who tattoos at Dark Water in the Bay Area.
Disney x Dali Destino Tattoo by Kuya in Bay Area tattoo atelier Dark Water.
A black and gray tattoo of lilies and stars on a woman's upper arm and shoulder.
Monstera tattoo coming out of a pot with 3 faces, a surreal botanical tattoo by Kuya
Dotwork skeleton lovers by Kuya a surreal tattoo with two skeletons almost holding hands
flower-print tiger tattoo, a surreal cat tattoo by Kuya now tattooing at Dark Water Berkeley
Matching clavicle flower tattoos by Kuya in blackwork
Olive wreath tattoo wrapping around forearm by Kuya, Dark Water's classical illustrator and tattooer
faceless woman on her knees surreal blackwork tattoo by Kuya
Surreal Eyeball plants by Kuya, Bay Area surrealism tattoo artist
Tattoo of a woman with an elaborate hairstyle and a detailed patterned background on a person's upper thigh. Kuya tattoos at Dark Water, East Bay's top rated tattoo studio. @kuya.tattoos
Ouroboros tattoo centered on the chest in blackwork by Kuya, Bay Area classical and surrealism tattooer.
Carp tattoo on leg (calf) by Kuya, large fish in shaded blackwork
Symmetrical snake tattoo two-headed snake wrapping around the neck
Surreal black and gray tattoo of a woman with long hair, sitting with her eyes closed, holding a sun and moon design on her stomach, on a person's forearm. Kuya tattoos at Dark Water, East Bay's top rated tattoo studio. @kuya.tattoos
Surreal Tattoo of three snakes intertwined with leaves on a person's arm by Kuya. Kuya tattoos at Dark Water, East Bay's top rated tattoo studio. @kuya.tattoos
Vintage microphone tattoo by surreal artist Kuya - classical fine line black and grey design at Dark Water Berkeley tattoo studio
Ornate decorative by artist Kuya - religious fine line design
Black outline tattoo of a compact hatchback car on a person's upper arm. Kuya tattoos at Dark Water, East Bay's top rated tattoo studio. @kuya.tattoos

KUYA

Meet Dark Water’s surreal tattoo artist…

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Kuya brings classical fine art training to surreal tattoo artistry at Dark Water in Berkeley. Starting his artistic journey at 16 with inspiration from Salvador Dalí, he pursued formal education in figure drawing and oil painting to master the technical precision that sets his tattoos apart in the Bay Area.

What makes Kuya's approach unique is how his classical training translates into tattoo work—his understanding of anatomy, light, and composition means your Renaissance-inspired piece, botanical design, or surreal concept will have the depth and technical excellence of a fine art painting. Whether you're drawn to his elegant wildlife compositions or meticulously rendered anatomical studies, Kuya's refined aesthetic sensibility ensures every tattoo is both artistically sophisticated and beautifully executed.

His distinctive fine line and bold work seamlessly blends rigorous classical technique with imaginative surreal vision, creating pieces that stand as wearable art. Clients throughout the East Bay seek out Kuya specifically for tattoos that require both artistic vision and technical mastery.

  • What an amazing experience at Dark Water! The shop is incredibly clean and welcoming, with snacks, drinks and toiletries at your disposal. My artist, Kuya, was wasy to communicate with, very prompt and friendly, and the work was immaculate! If you’re looking to get tatted in the Bay, do it here!!!

    ★★★★★
    Raetana S.

  • Kuya provided me with the best tattoo experience that I could have imagined. He created a design based on images that I shared, offered options on tattoo placement, and worked with precise intent. I felt comfortable and considered in the Dark Water space, which has beautiful light and classic aspects of the old neighborhood incorporated into its interior design. A lovely ink salon with signature treatment. Kuya’s artistry and efficiency truly made an impression that will last me a lifetime!

    ★★★★★
    Patricia Eagan

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Artist Speciality

  • Anime style tattoo by DUDUDRU, a girl looking like a shunji ito heroine lifts a finger and gazes outwards

    Fine Art & Surrealist Tattoos

    Tattoos inspired by art history's masters and movements. From Dalí-style dreamscapes to classical sculptures in ink, these pieces transform skin into canvas. Each design brings museum-quality artistry to custom tattoo work.

  • Botanical & Nature Tattoos

    Bold blackwork inspired by the natural world. These tattoos feature detailed plants, animals, and organic forms with artistic flair. From olive branches to serpents, each piece celebrates nature through strong linework and unique composition.

  • Mystical & Symbolic Tattoos

    Tattoos rooted in mythology, spirituality, and ancient symbolism. Celestial bodies, all-seeing eyes, and mythological creatures come to life through contemporary technique. Each design carries meaning beyond its surface.

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QUICK FAQ

  • Books are OPEN
    Estimated next availability: ~2 months
    (Earlier availability may be possible depending on schedule)

  • $200/HR with a $350 minimum.
    $100 deposit to secure appointment.
    (Drawing fee included)

    Disclaimer: There may be a short delay as information from artists is updated.

  • Kuya offers consultations via Zoom or in-person
    Please reach out for details.

  • Click Here for FAQ on artist’s site

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