Where art gets knotted
BOUND is Europe’s first monthly Japanese bondage performance and social event. The mission is to bring shibari, like butoh*, out of the shadows and into the mainstream of alternative art. Until now, the only place you could see this sort of show is in BDSM or fetish clubs with a strict dress-code or in hard to find venues in Japan. BOUND is different. No dress-code or dungeon, just a friendly atmosphere with amazing shows and the opportunity to learn a bit about this art.
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If you have never seen a live show, prepare to be amazed and moved. This is poetry in motion, a dance with rope, sometimes tender and sometimes raw passion, always emotive. The video (left), showing some performances, will explain more eloquently what it is and why it is becoming so influential in both fashion and art.
Although bondage is nothing new, recently Japanese bondage seems to have caught the imagination of ‘creatives’ in fashion, art, photography and film. One of the first to draw the public’s attention was Japanese photographer Nobuyoshi Araki with his Hana Kinbaku series, with counter-posed flowers and bound kimono clad women, the banned tile advert and, of course, his photos of the always controversial Lady Gaga.
In the past year or so, I have worked on a shoot with Mert & Marcus for LOVE, a short video for Vogue Italia, Primal Scream’s 2013 video, shoots for Sang Bleu and still have a series of very high profile projects on the Top Secret list. I am not alone as a number of my contemporaries have also landed some plum jobs. A picture might be worth 1,000 words and, no doubt a video many more, but seeing it live is another story.
The Flying Dutchman (FDL), which appears to be rather typical but defunct south London pub from the outside, should not be judged by its cover. Internally, FDL has recently renovated and is a popular alternative venue which hosts many notable events including Franko B’s ‘Untouchables’ exhibition and the Torture Garden after-party. This is the home of BOUND, which is held on the last Friday of every month, featuring live shows from international performers, art work, film and photography, life drawing, socialising, presentations and workshops and naturally a lot of tying. It attracts international performers like Nawakiri Shin (Taiwan), Boris Mosafir (Russia), Vinciens (Austria), DrPhil (France), Andreas Ropes (Italy) and some of the UK’s best, plus artists, like Isobel Williams and her friends, who produce high speed sketches and paintings of during the shows. The evening offers an unique experience that is not even found in Japan and is a crucible of ideas drawing wide and varied talent.
BOUND provides an environment where skills and information can be exchanged and a platform for established international performers and for new talent to cut their teeth on stage in a supportive and friendly atmosphere. It was created by Esinem and Nina Russ in conjunction The Flying Dutchman (FDL).
*Butoh (舞踏 Butō?) is the collective name for a diverse range of activities, techniques and motivations for dance, performance, or movement inspired by the Ankoku-Butoh (暗黒舞踏ankoku butō?) movement.
Tickets
Book here If you are quick, you can get an ultra cheap early-bird ticket!
Where and when
For the next BOUND, we’ll open at 19:00 on 23 August (also 26 September. Future dates to be announced) with this format:
19.15 to 20:00: Intro to shibari (demonstration/tutorial)
20:00 to 21:30: Rope play time/social space
21:30 till late: Performances and shows/social space
The Flying Dutchman 156 Wells Way, London, SE5 7SY
Nearest Tube: Elephant & Castle
Web site: www.bounduk.net
Facebook: www.facebook.com/BoundUK