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Images of The Floating World

Summary/Abstract: Nobuyoshi Araki’s photograph leads the viewer into an unusual world of eroticism using the Japanese concept of the Floating World which means taking a break form everyday life and submerging one’s self in sensual (erotic) pleasures. The artist seduces both with the theme of his photographs as well as the manner of portraying his models. He manipulates optical rules in a way that creates a specific tension between the viewer and the observed image. This is particularly true in relation to the images of naked women in bondage. According to Katarzyna Przerwa-Zydorowicz and Jacek Zydorowicz, these constitute a medium for an electrifying relation. At the beginning the viewers are under the impression that the models are submissive and this gives them a sense of control. Soon, however, they notice that the models’ eyes “conceal a promise of a complete role reversal” and the safe position of the observer becomes undermined. An exciting game begins. The authors stress that it is no coincidence that Araki uses the symbolism of water in his works. This refers to the tradition of the Floating World, a world which is in opposition to standing (“dry”) social values. The presence of animals is also very meaningful: it refers to the ancient conviction about the animalistic nature of sex and is the artist’s alter ego, although he sometimes highlights his presence more directly, e.g. by casting his shadow on the model’s body or lying naked with his camera beside the model. Such a “demonstration of his own presence” is one of Araki’s numerous methods for creating a distance between his works and the viewers. Consequently the perception of his works becomes an unusual experience: viewers must balance intimacy with being at a distance. They are not fascinated, they are seduced.

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