Smithsonian magazine's 22nd Annual Photo Contest | Made possible through the support of MPB.com

22nd Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest People
Powerful Submission

I thirst to learn about different subcultures and the people who practice them. One of those subcultures I decided to learn more about was Shibari. Shibari is a contemporary form of rope bondage that originated in Japan. With this image, I wanted to show the beauty of the knots and the artistic style in which they were so carefully crafted. The stark contrast between the black background and the subject, combined with the harsh lighting, creates a unique balance of power and submission, much like the art of Shibari itself.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 04.2024
Date Uploaded: 11.2024
Photo Location: Phoenix, Arizona, United States of America
Copyright: © Haley Nishida