After reading literature, I discovered that rope bondage from Japan, also known as shibari or kinbaku, literally means “to bind”. In ancient times, it was initially used to bind prisoners, but later evolved to have more diverse forms of expression and usage scenarios.
Heiwushe is a well-known rope bondage community based in Hangzhou, China, which hosts monthly bondage workshops and kink parties. I have worked as a rope bondage model at Heiwushe for a period of time and have gained a deep understanding of the community. In addition, I am also able to conduct interviews and surveys with people in related fields.
“The Change I Want To See” is to break the stereotype that Asian rope bondage is only associated with sex. For most people, once they see ropes, they automatically associate them with something sexual. The stereotype is that older, perverted men tie up women in sexual positions, even humiliate or control them. From a woman’s perspective, this is of no use to me sexually.
I have interviewed some people in the community and found that most Asian men first saw rope bondage in pornography. So there’s this stereotype, which is kind of a men’s fantasy. But I believe that bondage can bring not only sexual pleasure but also more possibilities, such as self-expression and creativity, emotional connection and intimacy, mindfulness and relaxation, body awareness and empowerment, communication and negotiation skills, therapeutic or healing benefits, and more.
For the public, I hope to popularize knowledge about rope bondage and educate participants to break free from patriarchal culture and adopt a diverse perspective towards rope bondage culture, including women and non-binary. In Asian culture, people whom bondage is usually viewed as an object of the gaze, and I hope to have the opportunity to facilitate a power shift.
For participants within the community, I hope that they can drive industry innovation through change. For example, by exploring diverse forms of bodily expression, emphasizing intimacy in rope bondage culture, aim to “touching is more important than tying”.
My intervention plan involves interviewing individuals about their views on rope bondage before and after trying it out. The first source of data could be through online interviews or surveys. The second source of data involves personally tying up people around me and conducting interviews. I hope to explore the power dynamics within rope bondage culture more deeply. In the past, I was a rope bondage model, but now I think stepping out of my comfort zone and trying to tie up others will provide an interesting perspective. The third source of data involves organizing rope bondage workshops to educate people about rope bondage culture and safety knowledge. I will guide participants in trying out simple ties and encourage them to share their views on rope bondage before and after trying it out.
In addition, I also hope to have the opportunity to work on interdisciplinary projects related to rope bondage. Using art to push people to change their stereotype that bondage is only related to sex. This can include projects related to healing, living theatre, installations, performances, and more.