Indonesian photographer Ryan Andrew and model Kenny Robert teamed up for today’s exclusive NAKID feature editorial titled, ‘SHIBARI IX‘. Ryan Andrew (1991) is a portraiture photographer based in Jakarta, Indonesia. After graduating with a Bachelor of Business from Victoria University in Melbourne in 2013, Andrew decided to pursue his passion for visual communication by studying photography at Lasalle College Jakarta in 2018. He often focused on portraiture and began his career path after completing the study. Throughout his career, He has primarily used an editorial approach to photograph a range of subjects while incorporating personal stories. His work examines themes such as gender fluidity, intimacy, and identity. Alongside documentary photography, he has also worked extensively with numerous stylists in the fashion industry to produce creative images, runway shows, and for International online magazine publications. In his practice, Andrew explores the beauty and strength that each of his subjects carries despite their flaws. He believed that his greatest inspiration comes from close friendships and personal narratives. However, his work merely reflects his intense aspirations and deepest feelings.
Words by Ryan Andrew:
Apparently, the rope can be used more than a tool. On a different level, the rope becomes the medium of meditation when it meets the skin and veins. This is called Shibari, a Japanese artistic sensual art that explores bonding with the body in order to express desire beyond erotic fantasy.
In a dimly lit room, strands of rope wrapped around Kenny. As their body hung, the tight knot gave them a new, unfamiliar pain. Through Shibari, Kenny tries to understand the meaning of body, strength, and beauty which have been considered taboo.
In fact, every mark that makes an impression on their body brings pleasure, and Kenny believes that the tight rope that binds their body is not a symbol of restraint, but a freedom.
If you love this visual story then show them some love, this is just a glimpse of the fantastic stuff they have created – head over to their Instagram below to check out more from this remarkable artist and support their creativity and your daily inspiration by following them!
Check out more of Ryan Andrew and their work here: INSTAGRAM
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