On May 25th 1940, the world was blessed with the mind and vision of an amazing photographer.  His name is Nobuyoshi Araki, or better known as simply Araki.  Snapping shots since his college years, Araki has published well over 300 books documenting his amazing photography.

Best known for his photos of women in very vulnerable situations, i.e. tied to the ceiling using the Japanese tradition of Shibari, he has also taken some of the most amazing photos of people for who, what, and where they are.   There was an excellent documentary put out in 2004 by film maker Travis Close called Arakimentari.  If you get the change, check it out.  I have posted the trailer for it below:

-Acid Squid Retroactive, Retrospecive, R.I.P.
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Anyone who knows me, knows that I am slightly fond of Shibari.  To be honest, its not so much the sexual aspect of this whole production but more so the amount of work that goes into this.  I’ve been quite familiar with Shibari for a while, but never really took the time to care for it.  I believe I have been influenced by Nobuyoshi Araki and find myself seeking out as much Shibari photography as I can when I can.

As for the films, I could really care little for them.  Its really just the photos and the shear discipline that goes into it.  All that work for a few kept shots.  When it really comes down to it, no one does it better than Japan.  These guys are the fucking Michael Jordan’s of this shit.  Western fools make very weak attempts at replicating it, but can’t even come close to touching it.  Americans especially, always so worried about the technical phot aspect of it, with their goofy lighting, bullshit props, and horrible typical gothic styling.  Go back to art school you fucking skels.

-Acid Squid
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