For me, shibari is about “connection.”
When tying someone, it’s not about capturing or tying that person. I cherish the “connection” with the model the most. To me it feels like I am tying myself with the model like strings connecting two paper cups to make a paper toy telephone. When I tie someone with a strong feeling that the model is important, I can feel many things such as how they want to be tied with rope, at what timing and where. And I can tie depending on the models’ desires. The lines created when I tie that way are like waves that carve rocks and create cliffs. I create lines are like those created by nature, and only exist between the model and I. I feel those are wonderful and beautiful.
That is the shibari that I pursue.
We are thrilled to have an ongoing relationship with Hajime Kinoko – perhaps the greatest force behind bringing shibari to the fine art world.
Hajime Kinoko (he/him) began tying in 2001 because his then-girlfriend was interested in rope (sound familiar?). He became serious about the craft when Akechi Denki held a workshop at the club he was working at and demonstrated the meaning of tying people. Since then Kinoko has studied with Nawashi Akechi Kanna, Yukimura Haruki, and other modern masters to refine his style into something all its own.
Kinoko has taught & performed across the globe at events like Art Basel, Paris Fashion Week, and Torture Garden. If you’ve seen web shibari, you’ve seen his work.
Past Offerings:
Shibari Performance & VIP Signing
8:00 on Saturday, November 9th, 2024
$40 per person / $80 per person
A quiet, intimate glimpse into Kinoko’s world. Drawing inspiration from ikebana, calligraphy, and the natural world, this performance stresses the power of contemplation and connection – between partners, between the rope and ourselves.
Tickets for the evening are capped to offer an intimate and exclusive experience for attendees.
Adaptive Gotes with Kinoko
7:00 pm on Friday, November 8th, 2024
This workshop draws on Kinoko’s expertise in creating flexible, dynamic harnesses for performance and play. Three variations of his box tie will be taught – one with “standard” arm positioning, a variation for larger bodies, and a hands-in-front harness for folks who can’t or would prefer not to place their arms behind their backs.
Prerequisites:
Tying students should be comfortable tying a non-collapsing single-column tie.
Supplies:
Seven ~8 meter ropes, and several shorter lengths (1-3 meters) for finishing patterns.
Maete Shibari & Suspension
10:00-1:00 on Saturday, November 9th, 2024
Learn from one of the undisputed masters of artistic suspension. This workshop covers what Kinoko considers essential knowledge for static suspension including hands-in-front and modular ties that balance aesthetic and function in the air.
Diamond Karada & Bamboo Transitions
2:00-5:00 on Saturday, November 9th, 2024
Learn Kinoko’s updated Diamond Body Harness! The Diamond Body Harness is a hands-out tie suited to a wide range of bodies and anatomy – although beautiful on its own, this hishi karada is designed to be used in suspension. This workshop is also an exploration of dynamic transitions on bamboo – the current focus of much of Kinoko’s work.
Prerequisites:
Students should be comfortable tying a TK (i.e. one of the harnesses taught on Friday) for suspension. Experience with partial or full suspension is important as we will be focusing on transitions and dynamic suspension.