To be bound yet boundless. A sensation of relief. Erotic rope play. I have heard numerous reasons why kinbaku attracts the attention of a person. As an artist, it is mainly the aesthetical aspects that beckon me. I am fascinated by the contortions, curvatures and suspensions in kinbaku imagery. There is also the rebelliousness against preconceived ideas and norms.
Fig.1. 'Muhen (infinite)' (29 June 2022)
Nobuyoshi Araki
When I first saw Nobuyoshi Araki's beautiful photographs of bound women (Fig.2 and 3), I was puzzled by their defiant look. Stuck in a learnt idea that being bound was predominantly an act of one-sided submission, I now had to think again. And again. Perhaps this is why I continue to explore kinbaku in my art. To learn and understand more about the human heart. Of true intimacy.
Fig,1a,
Fig.2. Sin titulo (1995) by Nobuyoshi Araki
Fig.3. Tied pregnant female by Nobuyoshi Araki
In Premium you can find an extended version with many additional kinbaku studies by the artist.
Click HERE for another Senju work inspired by the Japanese grandmaster Nobuyoshi Araki
Senju's Muhen piece is available in his gallery.
