Shibari, an ancient Japanese art form that intertwines bondage and aesthetics, now has a new rising star, the French-American Marie Sauvage. Breaking away from the traditionally male-dominated Shibari practice, Sauvage, also known as the "Shibari Bondage Queen," infuses a feminine twist into this mesmerizing craft.
Trained under Japanese Shibari master Hajime Kinoko, Sauvage's work celebrates the female body, showcasing vulnerability, mindfulness, and empowerment. This exploration delves into Sauvage's journey, her artistic philosophy, and how her unique approach reflects the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal of Gender Equality.
For Sauvage, the journey into Shibari began in the vibrant underground scene of BDSM in New York City. However, it was in Japan, under the guidance of a Japanese master, that she found a profound connection to Shibari. Unlike the Western approach she initially encountered, the Japanese perspective emphasized the process over the result, fostering mindfulness and intention in every moment. This mindfulness creates a deep, hypnotic connection between the artist and the subject, transcending the mere physicality of bondage.
Due to this, Sauvage started to contemplate her practice, starting with selecting models beyond their physical appearance. Instead, Sauvage seeks an inherent sense of eroticism, understanding that it transcends external attributes. To her, eroticism is about surrendering the mind to the body, embracing pleasure without shame, and expressing instinctual desires authentically that are not confined to any sort of body type. In challenging societal norms around beauty and sexuality, Sauvage redefines eroticism as a celebration of self-aware pleasure.
The reciprocity of being tied and tying others holds a special place in Sauvage's practice. She describes the incredible feeling of being tied as an immersive experience, expressing her love for it. This mutual exchange of vulnerability and trust is a cornerstone of Shibari, creating a profound connection between the artist and the subject.
Sauvage also adapts her performances based on the unique characteristics of each city she performs in. In Berlin, known for its industrial spaces, she played with scale, negative space, and silhouette, reflecting the city's aesthetic. Notably, she observes a higher female audience in Berlin, highlighting the city's openness to women taking initiative at their leisure.
Shibari, with its hypnotic and trancelike qualities, has the power to free the subconscious mind. The practice induces a mental space known as "subspace." “In this mental space, along with the physical restriction of the ropes, a person will lose their mental defence mechanisms and can be confronted with their vulnerability,” explains Sauvage. She emphasizes the therapeutic aspect of Shibari, allowing individuals to navigate their inner selves and heal through trust and vulnerability.
Sauvage's artistic endeavours also extend beyond individual performances, as she was trained by Hajime Kinoko, who creates large-scale rope installations in museums and festivals worldwide. The piece at the Museum of Modern Art in Detroit, on which Sauvage assistedHence, exemplifies Kinoko and Sauvage’s intricate ties and mindful execution, elevating Shibari to the realm of art.
Hence Sauvage's recent exploration involves using Shibari to create sculptures, immortalizing the ephemeral nature of the craft. Additionally, she ties public sculptures, adding an element of surprise and beauty to urban landscapes without causing harm.
Marie Sauvage's approach to Shibari transcends the boundaries of traditional bondage, infusing it with mindfulness, empowerment, and a distinctly feminine perspective. Her art challenges societal norms around beauty, eroticism, and sexuality, contributing to a broader conversation about gender equality. Through Shibari, Sauvage invites individuals to explore the depths of their subconscious, fostering healing and self-discovery. In a world where traditional gender roles persist, her work emerges as a powerful expression of liberation and empowerment through the ancient art of Shibari.