Rope & Photography

Photography stands as one of Shibari’s most influential art forms, tracing its roots from the first black-and-white photographs in Japan’s Kitan Club magazine to the contemporary works of artists like Nobuyoshi Araki and Norio Sugiura. However, it also serves as one of the most deceptive mediums for depicting Shibari, often leading to misunderstandings and complications. Carefully selected perspectives create an illusion of flawlessness, turning painful body positions into serene, highly stylized elegance. Risky restraints, primarily intended for visual impact, sometimes find their way into actual tying sessions. Moreover, standardized body types become the norm, fostering the belief that adhering to an ideal physique is necessary for enjoying Shibari.

In the first segment of this class, René de Sans and Sophia Rose will critically examine photography’s role in Shibari, discussing various examples. Subsequently, they will lead participants through a lively and interactive photo session, where they become photographers themselves.

Details:

Format: hands-on workshop/demonstration

Minimum Knowledge Level:–

What to Bring: –

Solo or Partnered: any

Class recording: yes

This class will be recorded (only the facilitator, not the participants) and is available for ticket holders for 30 days after the event.