An exhibition of photographs, taken by underground photojournalist Keroppy Maeda, showing people partaking in suspension – a peculiar form of body play or body modification in which participants allow themselves to be suspended by hooks placed through body piercings. Said to have somewhat of a cult following in Europe, suspension can supposedly give one a sensation of ‘flying through the air’. The man behind the lens, Keroppy Maeda, has been photographing ‘body modification’ since the early 90s, and in 2008, along with artists such as Asami (a body piercer from Extreme Body Piercing in Harajuku), formed a suspension group called The Hookers to give more people the chance to experience this unique art – whilst at the same time documenting the group’s work with his camera. According to suspension practitioners, it’s possible to reach a state of mind that surpasses any feelings of pain; however, if things go wrong, due to a lack of concentration for example, piercings can end up being ripped from the flesh – luckily for anyone who’s particularly squeamish however, there are no such photographs on display in this particular exhibition. If you’ve an interest in learning more about this unique form of art, now’s your chance.
