Shibari I - White Marble

Emmanuel Fillion's study of the female figure reaches its peak in his series of sculptures titled “Shibari.” This collection, comprising works crafted from marble and bronze, was born from the artist's interest in Japanese culture and its ancient practice of consensual bondage, Kinbaku. This discipline involves tying techniques that create visually stunning patterns, which complement and contrast with the body’s curves, reflecting a mutual journey of artistry and experimentation. Fillion’s interest in Kinbaku, however, extends beyond the act of tying and delves into the liminal spaces of spiritual metamorphosis that define Kinbaku performances. Through the interaction between both participants, each must navigate feelings of trust, courage, discomfort, shame and pain. Here, Fillion interrogates the aesthetics of suffering, employing the language of knots to render visible the inner world of the individual, with a deliberate focus on negotiating intimate reflections of the female body in its physical and social dimensions. As Fillion lingers over the details of his sculptures, the typically inflexible materials assume a sense of warmth and softness. Whether bound by knots or exuding an aura of liberation, Fillion’s sculptures stand as symbols of defiance and grace, serving as vessels for the collective wisdom and untold stories of the feminine spirit.