A Tender Dissolution

About

Gallery Thirtysix is proud to present an exhibition dedicated to the art of Shibari, showcasing a stunning collection of large-scale sensual photographs by Aaron Mcpolin.

The opening event will feature masterful Shibari Kinbaku performances by DK Blackfish & Leah Moth.

McPolin is an award-winning English / Australian photographer who captures fine art nude imagery that explores taboo themes. This will be McPolin's first solo show in the US, comprising more than twenty works, accompanied by the gallery's permanent display of its contemporary artists on the entire 36th floor of the Moxy building downtown.

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.

Aaron McPolin is an award-winning 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. 

Opening Reception: July 19th at 8pm, 1260 S Figueroa St. Los Angeles, CA 90015 on the 36th Floor (entrance through Level 8)

Hosted by Houston Hospitality Group 

Curated by JM Art Management