Founder of Mana’o Tattoo, Manu Farrarons is a central figure in contemporary Polynesian tattooing.
For more than three decades, his work has been rooted in the study, practice, and evolution of Polynesian tattoo traditions, with a particular focus on Tahitian and Marquesan forms. Through continuous research into structure, balance, and legibility, he has contributed to the evolution of existing codes and to the emergence of new visual languages, now widely referenced.
His approach is rooted in discipline, restraint, and deep respect for cultural transmission, while affirming a contemporary vision of Polynesian tattooing.
His work is internationally recognized for its refined feminine compositions, which have become lasting references within contemporary Polynesian tattoo art.
Through long experience, Manu has developed an advanced mastery of composition adapted to the body’s natural lines, seeking balance, clarity, and coherence over time rather than immediate effect.
Transmission is a fundamental part of his path. Over the years, he has trained and mentored numerous artists, many of whom are now established professionals with their own studios.
After an international career, notably in the United States where he founded Mana’o Tattoo Los Angeles, Manu chose to return to Tahiti to reconnect with his roots. He now works at Mana’o Private Studio, his personal studio on the island’s west coast, offering a private, focused, and intentionally limited tattoo experience.
His work stands as a reference, shaped by decades of transmission and artistic integrity.
For private projects with Manu Farrarons,
please refer to his personal studio:
www.manufarrarons.com
The career of Manu Farrarons reflects sustained recognition for both artistic excellence and cultural contribution, in French Polynesia and internationally.
Publications, interviews & recognition
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2021 — Featured in the August issue of Hine Magazine, Tahiti
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2020 — Included in Who’s Who in the World
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2020 — Interview and feature “LA’s Most Inspiring Stories” in Voyage LA, USA
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2019 — Included in Who’s Who in America
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2019 — Interview and feature in Tatt Mag USA
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2018 — Interview published in the June issue of Inked Cartel Magazine, USA
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2018 — Interview and feature in the December issue of Tattoo Magazine USA
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2016 — Interview and feature in the October issue of Reva Tahiti Magazine, French Polynesia
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2015 — Interview published in the October issue of Pain Magazine, USA
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2010 — Featured in the July issue of Inked Magazine, Australia & New Zealand
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2010 — Featured in the June issue of Tattoos Down Under Magazine, Australia
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2009 — Featured in the July issue of Tatouage Magazine, France
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2008 — Interview and feature in the June 19th issue of Les Nouvelles, newspaper, Tahiti
Artistic awards
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2020 — Mana’o Tattoo Los Angeles awarded Best Tattoo Studio in Studio City, California (second consecutive year)
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2019 — Mana’o Tattoo Los Angeles awarded Best Tattoo Studio in Studio City, California
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2016 — Best of the Day, NZ Tattoo & Art Festival, New Zealand
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2016 — Voted Best Ethnic Style Tattoo Artist at Art Gathering LA, Long Beach, California
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2016 — First Prize – Polynesian Tattoo at Art Gathering LA, Long Beach, California
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2015 — Voted Best Tribal Artist, Ink-N-Iron, Long Beach, California
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2015 — First Prize – Polynesian Tattoo at the International Ink & Iron Festival, Long Beach, California
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2013 — 1st place – Open Category, Polynesia Tatau Convention, Tahiti
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2011 — Voted Best Tribal Artist, Ink & Iron, Long Beach, California
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2011 — First Prize – Polynesian Tattoo at the International Ink & Iron Festival, Long Beach, California
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2010 — 2nd place – Polynesian tattoo (male), Sydney Tattoo Expo, Australia
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2010 — 2nd place – Polynesian tattoo (female), Sydney Tattoo Expo, Australia
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2008 — Voted Best Tribal Artist, Ink & Iron, Long Beach, California
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2008 — First Prize – Polynesian Tattoo at the International Ink & Iron Festival, Long Beach, California
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2005 — Best Polynesian Tattoo of the Day, Tattoonesia Convention, Moorea, French Polynesia
Cultural engagement & roles
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July 2025 — Co-organizer of “Ia Nu'u Te Tatau,” a Polynesian cultural and tattoo festival, Tahiti
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April 2016 — Lecturer at California State University Channel Islands, delivering an academic presentation on Polynesian tattooing and its cultural heritage to faculty and students, USA
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2015 — Ambassador for Air Tahiti Nui
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2014 — Lead contributor to the documentary “Tatau, the culture of an art” (France Télévisions)
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2014 — Jury President, Polynesia Tatau Convention, Tahiti