An unusual creative collaboration has emerged in New York City: model Zero-Gi, bondage artist SamJay, and photographer The Dirty Archangel. They transform the streets of the metropolis into a stage for sensual performances. The team is inspired by two arts—the ancient Japanese practice of shibari (or kinbaku) and the magic of photography—weaving together a bold visual statement. (Warning: Nudity.)
Photographer The Dirty Archangel and His Shibari on the Streets of New York: When Art Reveals Freedom
Shibari is the Western name for kinbaku, the traditional Japanese art of erotic bondage. Its origins date back to the 13th century, when practical knots gave rise to a sophisticated aesthetic. Photographer Dirty Archangel has brought his art of shibari to the streets. He's not the first to do so, but no one has done it as beautifully and daringly as he has.
Photographer The Dirty Archangel and His Shibari on the Streets of New York: When Art Reveals Freedom
When asked what most interests the photographer about his work, Dirty Archangel answers honestly: "How do you do it, and why haven't you been arrested yet?" It's hard to imagine that such photoshoots in the heart of the Big Apple go unnoticed by the police.
Photographer The Dirty Archangel and His Shibari on the Streets of New York: When Art Reveals Freedom
It's actually quite simple: the team collaborates with the New York police. Even the most explicit shoots are conducted with the permission of law enforcement. City laws also encourage creative expression. In New York, women are officially allowed to be topless in public—this promotes gender equality.
Photographer The Dirty Archangel and His Shibari on the Streets of New York: When Art Reveals Freedom
But the photographer says they're not being brazen or trying the citizens' patience needlessly. The company moves quickly: they change locations, shoot nudes on the move, and carefully choose the moment to avoid unwanted witnesses. "We usually go out early in the morning, when the streets are still almost empty."
Photographer The Dirty Archangel and His Shibari on the Streets of New York: When Art Reveals FreedomPhotographer The Dirty Archangel and His Shibari on the Streets of New York: When Art Reveals FreedomPhotographer The Dirty Archangel and His Shibari on the Streets of New York: When Art Reveals FreedomPhotographer The Dirty Archangel and His Shibari on the Streets of New York: When Art Reveals FreedomPhotographer The Dirty Archangel and His Shibari on the Streets of New York: When Art Reveals FreedomPhotographer The Dirty Archangel and His Shibari on the Streets of New York: When Art Reveals FreedomPhotographer The Dirty Archangel and His Shibari on the Streets of New York: When Art Reveals FreedomPhotographer The Dirty Archangel and His Shibari on the Streets of New York: When Art Reveals FreedomPhotographer The Dirty Archangel and His Shibari on the Streets of New York: When Art Reveals FreedomPhotographer The Dirty Archangel and His Shibari on the Streets of New York: When Art Reveals FreedomPhotographer The Dirty Archangel and His Shibari on the Streets of New York: When Art Reveals FreedomPhotographer The Dirty Archangel and His Shibari on the Streets of New York: When Art Reveals FreedomPhotographer The Dirty Archangel and His Shibari on the Streets of New York: When Art Reveals FreedomPhotographer The Dirty Archangel and His Shibari on the Streets of New York: When Art Reveals FreedomPhotographer The Dirty Archangel and His Shibari on the Streets of New York: When Art Reveals FreedomPhotographer The Dirty Archangel and His Shibari on the Streets of New York: When Art Reveals FreedomPhotographer The Dirty Archangel and His Shibari on the Streets of New York: When Art Reveals FreedomPhotographer The Dirty Archangel and His Shibari on the Streets of New York: When Art Reveals FreedomPhotographer The Dirty Archangel and His Shibari on the Streets of New York: When Art Reveals Freedom
Their work balances the line between art and provocation, between freedom of expression and social norms. But where is the line between aesthetics and transgression? Do you consider such street photoshoots bold art or a challenge to social morality?