A Tender Dissolution by Aaron Mcpolin
With warm embrace we dissolve our preconceived notions towards others and ourselves. The art helps the viewer to see the beauty in the taboo, to highlight their own inner workings as we explore the realm of shibari, opening closed doors to a new dialogue and see the world a little differently.
Shibari is the building of trust.
Originating in the thirteenth century Japan, the artistic form of Japanese rope bondage has many different interpretations of it’s history, while most of the art form comes from the modification of Judicial Hojojutsu and the Ukiyo-e woodblock prints of various torture techniques and methods for restraining and punishing prisoners. Today, however, the Japanese practice of Shibari literally means “to tie” and is treated as a consensual experience for the purposes of art or arousal with a rigger (“top” or “dom”) tying up another person “bottom,” “sub” or “bunny”). The Japanese art of kinbaku ‘tight binding’ is primarily aesthetic, as opposed to the more provocative art that kinbaku aims to express. The practice delves into intimacy, trust and bliss, In a ceremonial and delicate process.
The practitioner is binding their rope partner with a specially treated jute rope and depending on the practitioner, they may use diverse forms and styles of binding, most notably ‘Connective Rope’ a practice that exudes a focus on touch, feel, arousal and a building of connection with the subject, through intimate rope play, closeness, touch, pace and rope placement. ‘Artistic Rope’, which is shaped towards aesthetics, contorting the body, morphing limps and body parts through binding or suspension, highlighting and pulling inwards or outwards to define and enhace form and shape.
‘Beauty in Suffering’, in which the subject is positioned in contortions designed to create controlled reactions towards a certain experience, stress positions combined with pace, timing and positioning. Shibari is an art that can be as delicate, soft and beautiful or as harsh as the practitioner desires, the common attribute I observed about Shibari is the building of trust. A key ingredient the artist must develop on their journey to ‘rope space’ where the rope partner will go through a series of consensual gates and will no longer try to control their environment, becoming relaxed and in a state of bliss. The rope adopts the role as the messenger in this journey, from one mind-set to another, with the effects of Shibari being said by those involved to reduce anxiety, depression and an improved mental well being for up to a week afterwards.
Intimacy and devotion.
Shibari requires years of dedication and practice, the rope alone is treated with great respect. Jute is the rope of choice, burnished and bathed in beeswax and camellia oil, slowly baked and the process repeated to create a soft yet strong binding rope. The care of the subject being tied is matched by the artist's ceremonial care of the rope.
There’s a unique trust, respect and detailed understanding of one another when Shibari is performed. The art-form is full of intricacy, a balance of the body and mind, the rope requires careful placement and an understanding of the subjects sensitive areas, careful not to pinch vulnerable nerves, keeping blood flowing to the fingertips and a keen eye out for discolouration. The dangers of a suspension without proper considerations can be permanent muscle and nerve damage, extreme exhaustion, collapse, fainting and intense muscle cramps.
This series gives the insight to accept the unknown, without judgement and to expand your curiosity to seek out the beauty in the taboo.
Aaron McPolin is an award-winning erotic photographer who specializes in capturing fine art nude imagery that explores taboo themes. Their work is known for its provocative yet sensual nature, and the way in which it challenges traditional notions of beauty and sexuality. McPolin views art as a means of not only expressing oneself but also driving social change and innovation. He designs multi-sensory exhibitions that take viewers on a journey of self-discovery and introspection. With a background in fashion, film, and fine art, McPolin's works have been featured in publications such as Playboy, Penthouse, and Vogue, and exhibited in major cities worldwide. In his words, "Through art, I can show the truth of something; it's only through the vulnerability of art that we see a glimpse of who we really are."
With each new image, Aaron McPolin pushes the limits of what is considered acceptable in art, creating a new language for discussing sexuality and taboo subjects. Through their work, they are able to engage with these difficult topics in a way that is both empowering and respectful, challenging the viewer to confront their own beliefs and preconceptions. Through their mastery of photography, McPolin creates images that are both stunning and evocative, inviting the viewer into a world of sensuality and desire.
Despite the controversial nature of their work, McPolin has gained a strong following among collectors and art lovers alike. Their work has been featured in numerous exhibitions and publications, and they have received numerous awards for their contributions to the art world. Overall, Aaron McPolin is a bold and fearless artist who uses their talent and creativity to challenge preconceptions and break down barriers. Their work is a testament to the power of art to challenge, transform, and inspire, and they are sure to remain a leading figure in the world of erotic photography for years to come.
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