Venus Modern Body Arts

(212) 473-1954

199 E 4TH St (Between Avenue A and Avenue B)
New York, NY 10009 40.7241 -73.984

Get Map & Directions »

Neighborhoods: Alphabet City, East Village, Downtown

venusmodernbodyarts.com

Hours:

Tue-Sat 1pm-9pm

Sun 1pm-7:30pm

Closed Mondays

Last updated 5.07.10

Category:

Tattoos, Piercing, Jewelry & Watches

Payment Methods:

American Express, Visa, Discover, MasterCard

Piercing Services:

Ear Piercing, Belly Button Piercing

Special Offers

Editor's Tips

What People Are Saying About Venus Modern Body Arts

Featured Review

Brian Merchant

Contributor

In Short – This chic East Village body art jewelry shop and tattoo parlor is owned and operated by Maria Tash, aka piercing artist to the stars. She's supplied body jewelry to the likes of Christina Aguilera, Britney Spears, and she even pierced Mickey Rourke's eyebrow in this very store. The shop is elegant and spacious, and the display cases feature designer navel pieces, earrings, necklaces and more, all designed by Maria. The tattoo artist at Venus, Ronda Xanthos, is no slouch either, as she has almost 20 years of experience.

Editor's Tips

The Extras:
Need a gift for that special, pierced someone? Get a Maria Tash Venus Gift Card, good at either Modern Body Arts, or her eponymous flagship store.
Know Before You Go:
Walk-ins are welcome.
ambiance
100.0% positive
  1. “My piercer was very nice and made me feel comfortable right away.”
  2. “She finally went to another location and there her problem was fixed for a Good price.”
  3. “The facility was clean, and she was great about making me as comfortable as possible.”
  4. “Rob was very helpful and explained everything before and after while making me feel comfortable at the same time.”
  5. “The atmosphere is great, the facilities are clean, and the people are very nice.”
  6. “went a month ago and Ronda took my friend and I as walk-ins, made us feel really comfortable and we both had a great experience.”
drinks
100.0% positive
  1. “My gut tells me her bar may be too short and it's creating pressure on her nose, which has now developed a big red bump near the stud.”
food quality
100.0% positive
  1. “In a predominantly harsh attitude, inflexible ego-driven machismo world, Ronda blew into Venus studio like a breath of fresh air on rollerblades.”
  2. “He also lays out all the tools, takes out the fresh needle out of the package (in front of you).”
menu variety
100.0% positive
  1. “Awesome jewelry selection, cool staff, and I have never waited more than 5 minutes for everything”
  2. “the music was good, the jewelry selection was extensive and the setting calming.”
  3. “It being my first time I was obviously nervous, but I knew I was in good hands just by looking through Matt's extensive portfolio.”
  4. “Id like to see some more male oriented jewelery in the store - but I think they are happy to order stuff for dudes to , the ladies have a BIG selection to choose from.”
  5. “The place was clean, had a huge selection of body jewelry and the staff was amazingly helpful.”
overall
100.0% positive
  1. “Great jewlery and best place to get kids pierced”
  2. “Glad to see Rob ended up at such a great place!”
  3. “The prices are Outrageous, granted the jewelry is nice looking, but you can go to a place like Cutting Edge or somewhere else and get a much better experience at a third the cost.”
return potential
75.0% positive
  1. “It was a really nice experience and if I ever go for more piercings, I will go back to Venus.”
  2. “They also do custom pieces, Id like to go back soon and get a matching piece for my ear.”
  3. “was too embarrassed to go back to Venus and deal with this woman's attitude, so I went to some generic dump on St. Mark's - surprise, I was treated politely and professionally, they pried out the practically embedded stud and inserted a longer one for m”
  4. “will be back there soon for a belly button ring, I definitely suggest Venus , especially for children.”
service
83.33000183105469% positive
  1. “The place was clean, had a huge selection of body jewelry and the staff was amazingly helpful.”
  2. “The atmosphere is great, the facilities are clean, and the people are very nice.”
  3. “The staff is knowledgeable about various types of body mod and can answer questions about anything from basic to unusual and hard to do modifications.”
  4. “however, service is terrible.”
  5. “Awesome service”
  6. “it's clean, they always have great music playing and their piercers are funny and friendly.”
  7. “Clean place & Friendly people”
  8. “met some very entertaining people while i chose my jewelry.”
  9. “But, the service at the new store on Broadway is so SLOW.”
  10. “the tattoo looks nice, and the staff is talented and friendly, but there are plenty of places in manhattan that do quality work without being so expensive and disorganized.”
  11. “The environment the shop and the people were wonderful.”
  12. “have recommended two people to her already and we have 4 tats between us and everyone was happy.”
  13. “As soon as i stepped into the store i felt much better: the staff is pleasant and helpful, and the place is clean.”
  14. “not great service.”
  15. “Conclusion: if you are a newbie and intimidated by the other reviews bc they come from people with HUGE experience with tattoos and you feel like a tattoo dork and you are not sure you can trust the reviews bc they talk about these super complex tattoos t”
  16. “Well the artist was rude, unprofessional and flaky.”
  17. “got really good service and a really awesome tattoo to show for it.”
  18. “The service was excellent, the cost of the piercing great, and the price of the jewelery average.”
  19. “Rhonda and the staff at Venus are amazing.”
  20. “Everyone at Venus is very friendly.”
  21. “Ronda was patient and attentive in making certain that the design and placement of the tattoo is perfect.”
  22. “There aren't as many good tattoo artist in the city as you would think and its sad because alot of people are getting real bad tattoo's and dont even know it.”
  23. “was too embarrassed to go back to Venus and deal with this woman's attitude, so I went to some generic dump on St. Mark's - surprise, I was treated politely and professionally, they pried out the practically embedded stud and inserted a longer one for m”
  24. “Awesome jewelry selection, cool staff, and I have never waited more than 5 minutes for everything”
  25. “send everyone I know to Venus and they've all come away thrilled to have found a place where the staff is so friendly, patient and talented.”
  26. “like the products but not the service”
  27. “The staff was knowledgeable and helpful and really tried to make the tattoo exactly what I wanted it to be.”
value
76.91999912261963% positive
  1. “The prices are Outrageous, granted the jewelry is nice looking, but you can go to a place like Cutting Edge or somewhere else and get a much better experience at a third the cost.”
  2. “She finally went to another location and there her problem was fixed for a Good price.”
  3. “My only vice is that the normal price is a little expensive, but it is New York and I'd rather be safe than cheap and sorry.”
  4. “For anyone who says that Venus is too pricey is out of their minds.”
  5. “the tattoo looks nice, and the staff is talented and friendly, but there are plenty of places in manhattan that do quality work without being so expensive and disorganized.”
  6. “The place was clean, had a huge selection of body jewelry and the staff was amazingly helpful.”
  7. “She left me with a huge taper stuck in my nose, and had me wait outside so she could help another client in the room.”
  8. “The service was excellent, the cost of the piercing great, and the price of the jewelery average.”
  9. “The pricing is pretty much comparable for any good tattoo.”
  10. “Her prices are very fair compaired to other good artist I know of.”
  11. “little expensive, and she's not the most timely person, but an excellent and really accomodating artist.”
  12. “was too embarrassed to go back to Venus and deal with this woman's attitude, so I went to some generic dump on St. Mark's - surprise, I was treated politely and professionally, they pried out the practically embedded stud and inserted a longer one for m”
  13. “Great shading and value, with a very cool watercolor effect around the edges.”
wait time
80.0% positive
  1. “Awesome jewelry selection, cool staff, and I have never waited more than 5 minutes for everything”
  2. “It's annoying have to wait a long period of time to be treated badly and to walk away with a bad piercing and dissapointment.”
  3. “She finally did the tattoo, which was pretty good, but she worked really slow.”
  4. “Bonus- Rob (the guy who did the piercing) is amazing- clean, quick and skilled.”
  5. “Don't get me wrong he still is the guy for complex stuff but your little tiny tattoo will get the same attention by a great professional and you won't feel nothing but a little pinching for a minute or two and then you will have your cool little tattoo an”
5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

12/28/11

Logan Aguilar....The Master

by cmcastaldo

Logan, or The Master as I call him is a true artist. His work is original, realistic and completely customized for not only your body, and body placement, but he through conversation and taking the time in getting to know a bit about you, he incorporates who you are in the art as well. He has done all four of my tattoos. The fourth was quite extensive; 20+ hours over 4 sessions. I absolutely LOVE my art. I would not trust anyone else to work on me. He has got me hooked!

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

12/07/11

I wouldn't go anywhere else

by erin margaret

While I haven't had any piercings done at this shop, I have to say as far as tattoo artists go, Logan Aguilar is absolutely amazing. I recently went to him to get my first tattoo and was looking for something realistic, colorful, and original. If you're looking for a quick pick from a handout of pre-drawn tattoos, go elsewhere, because this man is a true artist. I got it on one of the supposedly most painful spots (side ribcage) and not only was he gentle, but I felt completely at ease. The hour I spent there felt like 15 minutes. He listened to everything I wanted and gave me a one of a kind, beautiful piece that I know I'll love forever. About a week after getting it done, I was interested in having him add to a few spots and he booked me a new appointment within a week.

The shop is extremely sanitary and has a relaxed vibe. The rest of the staff I encountered were extremely helpful and friendly and made me not only feel at ease but excited as well. If you're looking for a great experience, whether it's your first tattoo or your fiftieth, Logan is hands down the man to go to.

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

11/27/11

Cool shop, great vibe, EXCELLENT staff

by StregaRossa

This small shop tucked away on East 4th Street in the East Village is a gem. The atmosphere is comfortable and the shop is impeccably clean.

I first when to Venus to have Logan Aguilar do a repair on a tattoo. The results were amazing. Logan has a great personality and is very in touch with how you are feeling when getting inked. When talking with him about my next piece he "got" what I wanted and showed me an example of his vision. When it was finished it was just what I wanted, the way I wanted it.

I also had a tragus piercing done by Rob at Venus. His room is sanitary and spotless. The jewelry he uses is gorgeous - precious metals with precious stones. Rob is quick and makes the piercing as painless as possible.

Venus is a great place for ink or piercing. I also understand that Logan does scarification, but I think I'm a bit chicken for that... right now.

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

10/02/11

Rafael= Awesome.

by SMH321

I walked in for a tattoo, and they got me in within an hour. They are amazingly nice and super clean. I got my tattoo done by Rafael, and he was great! I couldn't be more pleased.

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

05/06/11

Logan Aguilar....Amazing Tattoo Artist.

by philgonzalez

I have been going to Venus Modern Body Arts for my piercing needs for the last three or four years. It was on one of those visits that I met Logan Aguilar, who is an amazing artist. I have wanted a tattoo for years, but, being diagnosed with diabetes I thought I would have to go without it. After talking with Logan more than a few times, I realized that I could actually get one done. We scheduled a seating and I had to postpone it because of health reasons. Logan was very understading and we were able to reschedule the seating. I finally got my tattoo and must say I LOVE IT. Logan was very patient and extremely gentle. He made sure I had eaten prior to the tattoo and also made sure I had something with me to eat with me while he worked. He asked more than a few times how I was feeling and even encouraged me to pop a snack to avoid low blood sugar issues. I did ask him to stop once so I could pop a snack and drink some water, he had no problem allowing me the break. It was this caring attitude and attention to detail that made me decide that I would have to get another tattoo by him even before he was finished with my first one. Logan YOU TOTALLY ROCK!! He carefully explained the aftercare to me and made sure to answer any questions I had. I am honored to consider Logan a friend as well as my tattoo artist. Thanks for the experience Logan, looking forward to working with you again.

The Details on Venus Modern Body Arts

Place Categories:

  • best little tattoo
  • clean place
  • helpful staff
  • great considerate artist
  • good tattoo artist
  • best ronda
  • very nice marilyn
  • like shop
  • really good service
  • very nice people
  • skilled rob
  • creative sterilization process
  • very nice fastest piercer
  • amazing rhonda
  • clean facility
  • overpriced jewelry
  • perfect design
  • too pricey venus
  • tired cuz
  • great bedside manner
  • very friendly everyone
  • recommended highly
  • love new tattoo
  • great first experience
  • rude unprofessional service

As Seen In…

Best of Citysearch

New York

Advertisement

Lists In Manhattan

Recent Reviews In Manhattan

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

A. Ronni Kolotkin Electrolysis, Inc

80 5th Ave, 15th Floor, New York, NY

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

Rodolfo Valentin Salon & Spa

696 Madison Avenue, New York, NY

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

Tribeca Beauty Spa

8 Harrison St, New York, NY

3 Star Rating: Average

Ohm Spa

260 5th Ave 7th Fl, New York, NY

Advertisement