Akhsa Kezia is currently Indonesia’s leading shibari artist. Her dedication to the traditional Japanese art form has gained her over 17 thousand Instagram followers and 14 thousand X followers (formerly known as Twitter). The art of Shibari is the ancient Japanese art of rope tying a person, which has long been seen as a sexual practice. Based in Bandung, Indonesia, the capital of West Java has long been known to be one of Indonesia’s most conservative provinces; Kezia’s journey as a shibari artist has been a unique one.
To navigate this climate, Kezia has been able to translate the art for Indonesians by highlighting not only the beauty of the craft but also by educating her audiences on sex and sensualities. She opens up conversations on the subject with a sex-positive attitude, a worldview that sees sex as a human right and not a taboo subject. These conversations will not only help her audiences appreciate Shibari but also contribute to helping them grow their sexual understanding, keeping them away from practices that might put their physical and mental health at risk. This is why Kezia Akhsa’s Shibari practice is aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals of Gender Equality and Good Health And Well-Being.
Unlike other Shibari practitioners, Kezia prefers to focus on Japanese cultural philosophy in her practice. This point of view sees Shibari as a medium for communication, relaxation, therapy and self-discovery, all fostering a deeper understanding between the rigger and the rigged. Ultimately, it is a way for her to “celebrate her authentic self, her natural desires, and the true essence of the people she connects with through this unique art form.”
To share her love and reverence for Shibari, Kezia has compiled free online resources for anyone interested in learning more about the craft. She also frequently hosts workshops where she teaches beginner, intermediate, and advanced-level classes to help other people cultivate their own skills and interests in Shibari. While doing all this, she never forgets to share the importance of consent and fostering a safe environment for everyone.
Kezia also underlines that Shibari is for everyone, regardless of their background, race, sexual orientation, and much more. To walk the talk, she frequently uses models from a diverse background herself. Again, Akhsa Kezia’s dedication to Shibari has cemented her position as Indonesia’s leader in the field by advocating for sex education and positivity.
By intertwining the cultural and therapeutic aspects of Shibari with a sex-positive approach, Kezia fosters a deeper understanding of sensuality and consent, challenging conservative norms in Indonesia. At the end of the day, Kezia ensures that Shibari is accessible and meaningful for all, celebrating the authentic self and the essence of human connections.
Find out more about Shibari by Akhsa Kezia and their other initiatives by checking their Instagram on @akhsa.kezia.