“Echotherea Intimata” explores the intersection of ethereal and erotic through 24 pieces, each inspired by music. Themes of joy, shame, power, and sensuality unfold, with figures in shibari, embracing tension between freedom and restraint, self-discovery, and transformation.
The artwork shows a woman suspended in shibari rope from her hips, facing upward. Her feet and chest are tied together, and a potted Monstera deliciosa plant acts as a weight. The scene incorporates heavy plant motifs, with a color palette of gold, yellow, and green, symbolizing themes of growth and healing.
A person with brown hair is suspended in shibari rope from a tree, the forest surrounding them like a living embrace. The gold rope stands out against the earthy tones of brown, green, and copper, highlighting the interplay between strength and vulnerability as they become one with the forest.
The figure hugs their leg, bound in a futomomo tie, squeezing it tightly as if caught in a moment of deep contemplation. Beside them, a pair of rope shears lies on the ground, hinting at the possibility of severing ties—whether from a relationship, toxicity, or a source of inner turmoil.
this portrait features a figure in detailed pony gear. The eyes reveal the inner thoughts and emotions of the person behind the mask, while a pair of hands holds the reins, hinting at themes of control and power.
A female figure, head held high by hair shibari bondage, surrenders to the sensory delight of lilacs. The BDSM collar around her neck signifies a power dynamic that is gentle yet profound, revealing how kink can embody softness and warmth as much as intensity.
Inspired by Garbage’s Androgyny, this piece explores the fluidity of gender expression. The figure, adorned with shibari rope up their leg, poses against a pink and gold background. With a gesture that blurs traditional lines, they cradle something inside their underwear—whether it’s a penis, a packer, a vibrator, or something else entirely, remains ambiguous.
Upside down, her fingertips gently trace the surface of the water, creating a moment of serene connection. The hues of green, yellow, and blue evoke a sense of calm and expansiveness, capturing the desire to escape and find peace.
This surreal scene floats amidst a sky of blue, green, yellow, and silver, with the song’s words splashed across the background, amplifying the sense of freedom and escape.
Inspired by 311’s Amber, this piece intertwines warmth and mystery. A hand holds a cigar, with the smoke rising to reveal the ghostly image of a figure bound in shibari ropes.
Inspired by Slack Wax’s Sex Bomb, this piece exudes bold sensuality. It features a man in bikini underwear, his form confidently displayed with a leg wrapped in an intricate rope harness. The rope crisscrosses across his athletic thighs, highlighting the blend of strength and vulnerability.
At the center, a femme figure is bound in shibari, with the ropes transforming into the glowing filaments of the lights. It’s a playful and lighthearted take on the connection between energy and desire, radiating cheerfulness and a touch of the fantastical.
A figure is suspended in shibari ropes from a metal rig against a backdrop of blues, purples, and silvers. Lightning descends from the sky, grounding itself through the rig and dispersing around the model, visualizing the pull of unseen forces towards the earth.
Inspired by the evocative tones of Bell X1’s Flame, this piece captures a figure in a shibari partial suspension from a tree, set against an autumnal landscape. The warm colors of brown, pink, orange, red, and gold envelop the scene, while dandelions in the foreground hint at fragility and fleeting moments.
Inspired by Kongos’ Come With Me Now, this piece delves into the passage of time and the burden of overthinking. A pair of hands, bound in a shibari single column tie, cradle an analog clock, reflecting the tension between confinement and the relentless march of time.
This piece offers an intimate look at a basic double column tie, focusing on the intricate details of the knot itself. The absence of a figure draws attention to the rope, reflecting the artist’s own experience of exploring this art form with a mix of shyness and vulnerability.
Wearing tiny leather pants, he boldly presents himself with legs splayed apart, drawing attention to the boots and the rugged rubber sole of one prominently displayed. The grayscale palette of gray, silver, black, and white adds to the gritty, unapologetic tone.
A woman stands confidently in a purple latex catsuit, exuding an air of mischief. Her stance is bold, almost daring the viewer. At her spiked heel, a glass of spilled milk lies tipped over, echoing the puckish nature of a cat’s rude playfulness.
The figure grips their own torso with clawing hands, expressing a struggle that is both physical and emotional.
This piece depicts a Black woman engaged in pony play, exuding strength and grace. Seen from behind, she wears a pony mask and a high ponytail, accentuated by a sleek black pencil skirt.
The follower, in a flowing white dress, surrenders to the embrace, while the leader, dressed in a sharp white shirt and black pants, guides with strength and precision.
A nude man holds a Bible in one hand and a hank of shibari rope in the other, suggesting the complex dynamics between spiritual authority and the allure of dominance.
Facing forward with knees spread, she exudes a brazen audacity and comfort in her own skin. The use of pink, orange, red, and gold emphasizes the boldness of unapologetic self-expression.
“You’re Bright as the Morning, Soft as the Rain” (2024): Inspired by Hozier’s Too Sweet, this piece presents an evocative view of a woman’s torso, captured from just below the ribs to her mouth. Her long, dark hair cascades over bare skin, while she sensually licks her fingers.
“Meet Me in Outer Space” (2024): Inspired by Incubus’ Stellar, this piece features a nonbinary person with a beard and long, curly hair. They hold their hands in front of their face, with their arms bound together in shibari rope. The background is an ethereal blend of textures and glazes, with thick paint forming gel-printed circles in hues of blue, pink, gray, silver, black, and white. The abstract environment suggests a cosmic landscape, blending the personal with the otherworldly. By Nadia Vanilla, part of the Echotherea intimata series. © Nadia Vanilla 2024. All rights reserved.