Switzerland. Canton Valais. Vernayaz. Shibari at night in the forest. A nude woman with tattoos is tied with ropes on a tree's trunk. The contemporary meaning of Shibari describes an ancient Japanese artistic form of rope bondage. The art of erotic bondage, called Shibari, is an art of erotic spirituality. Shibari style rigging creates geometric patterns and shapes with rope that contrast beautifully with the human body’s natural curves. The ropes and their texture provide contrast to smooth skin and curves. In Shibari, the model is the canvas, the rope is the paint and brush, and the rigger is the rope artist. Shibari experience results in an increased level of endorphins and other hormones, creating a trance-like experience for the model. When a Shibari scene is performed with appropriate ambience, these effects are actually visible in the face of the model. The term “rope drunk” is sometimes affectionately used to describe the euphoric condition of the model after a Shibari experience. 23.07.2016 © 2016 Didier Ruef