Trained in photography and film, Nobuyoshi Araki (1940- ) is one of his generation’s most productive and influential artists, with a large production of books, exhibitions and films. Araki lives and works in Tokyo.

The exhibition title “Kinbaku” refers to a Japanese style of erotic bondage where ropes, bound by assymetrical knots, are used to create patterns on women’s bodies. The method is a traditional Japanese art form, combining elements from the arts of packag- ing and flower decoration. The techniques used to tie the women depicted in Araki’s photographs, and the bodily positions the bondage at times enables the women to prolong, demonstrate techniques and positions derived from the Kinbaku tradition. The series is one of many attempts by the artist to approach women; the rope may be seen as a metaphor of arms in an embrace. In contrast to the western concept of bondage, Araki represents a different approach stating that: “I only tie up a woman’s body because I know I cannot tie up her heart. Only her physical parts can be tied up. Tying up a woman becomes an embrace.”