Shin Kou Sabre was photographed by Emmanuel Angelicas.

SHUNGA - Photo Shoot 2013 August

When I think about Shunga (春絵) a few words come into mind: traditional, romantic, explicit. The explicit nature of the images are often confronting for most people.

Traditionally Shunga was presented as a series of art in woodblock prints. Throughout Japan they were discreetly shared and enjoyed particularly during the Edo period.

I have been fascinated by Shunga since the first time I saw one of Hokusai's images. I wanted to recreate the expression and slight inhibition found in those images into my own photographs. I had been searching for years to find the right photographer whose skill and style could compliment the ideas developing in my head.

Photographed in 2013, I had the honour to work with Emmanuel Angelicas, an Australian photographer who drew my attention with his work in Japan. We collaborated on this photo series entitled 'Shunga' and discussed the ways we would portray the Japanese aesthetic with a modern and slightly European influence.

Then Emmanuel sent me an image by Eiri Chokyosai (鳥橋斎栄里) from the book Fumi no Kiyogaki which featured two women with a dildo, with one wearing it tied around her hips. It was then decided that I would use the rope from Osada Steve to tie a wooden dildo around my ankle. Then I would invent fantastic explicit positions using the wooden phallus.

'Shunga' represents the heights of ephemeral pleasure, and to portray that honestly I must strip away my shame, my hesitation and my taught traditions. My mind and body are stretched to reveal my genuine expressions.

Thank you Emmanuel for your patience, your dedication and your inspiration. It was a pleasure to share this exploration of 'Shunga', with all of its complexity.

エマニュエル アンジェリカス写真撮影 2013年8月

真光 セイバーの 春絵は エマニュエル アンジェリカスにより撮影された。

エマニュエル アンジェリカス氏はマリックビル、シドニーで育つ。 彼の作品は広く収集され、オーストラリア、日本、リトアニア、フランス、ギリシャ、オランダで展示されている。