From The Straits Times    |

Rick Genest: Tattoo project on-goingRick Genest says his tattoo “project” is not finished yet.

The model is known for his extensive skin art, which features bones and arteries to make him look like a living skeleton and covers his body from head to toe.

A former circus performer, Rico The Zombie was thrust into the fashion limelight when Lady Gaga’s stylist Nicola Formichetti spotted him in a photoshoot. He has since starred in several fashion shows, advertising campaigns and music videos.

“I got my first tattoo, an outline of a skull and crossbones, when I was 16. I’d always wanted tattoos. I’d see them on the bus or on TV or in movies. I’ve got a couple of blank spots, I’ve got to finish my project. It develops, you know, with time,” Rick told WWD before explaining the meaning behind his knuckle inkings which read ‘evil’ and ‘dead’. “It’s like, if you’re dead, you’re evil at the same time.”

A former sideshow performer, the 26-year-old has always been intrigued by creative people and feels at home in the fashion industry.

But Rick is already thinking about a future after modelling.

“I’ve always surrounded myself with artists. I’ve always loved being around the art scene and the fashion world and designing sets and props and all of that. That’s all showmanship, that’s all art,” he said. “Music sounds great, I’d love to cut an album, but I’ve got to learn how to do the kind of music I like. I’ve got to figure it out. I’ve got to learn how to do stilts. I want to stilt walk. When the fashion show is over, I want to go back to the circus.”