Oleh Karpa’s World Record
At 28 years old, Ukrainian Oleh Karpa has set a global record by sporting 230 bone-shaped tattoos that replicate the anatomy of the human skeleton. The achievement was officially verified by Lana Vyetrova, head of Ukraine’s National Register of Records. The previous record belonged to Rick Genest, famously known as Zombie Boy, who had 139 bone tattoos on his body.
Karpa works as a forensic medical assistant in a morgue and is advancing the field of thanatopractice in Ukraine by offering both online and offline courses. Together with a pathologist, he spent three hours counting the tattoos. The doctor confirmed that each design accurately represents a real bone.
“Oleh didn’t just beat the previous record—he multiplied it. Rick Genest had 139 bones tattooed on his body. For those who remember the anatomical number 206, let me explain: we documented record-breaking anatomical detail here, including sesamoid bones and the tiniest bones of the metacarpus, metatarsus, and finger phalanges—jewel-like scientific precision. If Oleh’s body is a masterpiece of anatomy, he kept his face completely clean.”
Karpa is the first person in Ukraine to achieve such a high level of anatomical precision in tattoos. The record was verified under challenging conditions, as doctors meticulously examined every inch of his body. Notably, his face remains free of tattoos, highlighting his unique approach to body art.
The Story of Rick Genest
Meanwhile, the story of Rick Genest, who twice earned a spot in the Guinness World Records, remains vivid in many people’s memories. He earned the nickname Zombie Boy after undergoing brain tumor surgery at age 15. Tragically, in August 2018, Genest took his own life in Montreal, sparking widespread shock.
Thus, Oleh Karpa’s new record not only underscores his personal achievement in tattoo art but also draws attention to creative expression and the anatomical details that can be reproduced on the human body.
This milestone marks a significant cultural event in Ukraine, showcasing both individual accomplishment and the growth of tattoo artistry in the country. Through his profession, Karpa also highlights the role of anatomy in art, potentially inspiring new research and discussions in this field.