We believe that meaningful ideas deserve thoughtful curation. In a world of algorithms and endless streams of content, we choose to slow down, select carefully and bring together ideas, work and people that deserve attention.
THE KINBAKU SALON
Join
an open
conversation about Kinbaku as an underground culture
KINBAKU SALON
Join an open conversation about Kinbaku as an underground culture
More than a lecture series
The Kinbaku Salon is a curated cultural format created by Alexander MA to bring thoughtfully selected content, inspiring people and meaningful conversation. It grew from the same editorial vision that inspired the Kinbaku Society of Berlin Magazine and samples conversations, artist talks, film screenings, performances, book presentations and exhibitions.
Some evenings are led by us, others by invited artists, photographers, authors, filmmakers, historians and practitioners whose work broadens our understanding of Kinbaku and the cultural worlds surrounding it. Kinbaku Salon invites participants to engage with Kinbaku not only as a practice, but also as a cultural, artistic and profoundly human phenomenon.
Our subjects range from Kinbaku history and Japanese aesthetics to photography, embodiment, intimacy, visual culture and contemporary underground culture. Each presentation is developed in dialogue with the context, audience and wider programme.
Keynotes and invited talks
Alongside the Kinbaku Salon, we are available for talks, keynotes and conversations at festivals, galleries, cultural institutions and other curated events.
THE KINBAKU SALON
Bring a different conversation to your audience
From an intimate conversation or artist talk to a completely curated evening, we work with festivals, galleries and cultural organisations to create a format that responds to your audience, context and curatorial interests.
KINBAKU SALON
Bring a different conversation to your audience
From an intimate conversation or artist talk to a completely curated evening, we work with festivals, galleries and cultural organisations to create a format that responds to your audience, context and curatorial interests.
A view from inside
For more than fifteen years, Kinbaku has brought us into contact with artists, photographers, performers, filmmakers, writers and practitioners across Japan, Europe and beyond. What began as a practice became a much wider cultural exploration.
As founders and editors of Kinbaku Society of Berlin Magazine, we research, commission and work with voices from within and around Kinbaku and underground culture. The Salon brings this ongoing cultural exchange and editorial perspective into a live setting.
We are not interested in presenting definitive answers. We are interested in finding the people, ideas and questions worth bringing into the room.
When everything is available,
curation becomes essential.
Questions & Answers
What is the Kinbaku Salon?
The Kinbaku Salon is a curated cultural format founded in Berlin, bringing together conversations, artist talks, film screenings, performances, book presentations and exhibitions. While rooted in Kinbaku and Japanese underground culture, its subjects extend into art, photography, film, embodiment, intimacy, subculture and the wider human experience.
Does a Kinbaku Salon have to be about Kinbaku?
Not necessarily. Kinbaku is often where our conversations begin, but rarely where they end. A Salon may explore Japanese aesthetics, photography, tattooing, literature, film, underground culture, embodiment, intimacy or contemporary art. We are particularly interested in the connections that emerge between different disciplines, cultures and perspectives.
Can you curate a Salon around a particular theme or programme?
Yes. A Salon can be developed around a curatorial theme, exhibition, film, publication, artist or question you would like to explore. We can contribute our own perspectives, invite relevant guests and bring together different formats to create a coherent programme for your particular audience and context.
Who is the Kinbaku Salon for?
No previous knowledge of Kinbaku is required. The Salon can be created for galleries, festivals, cultural institutions, art spaces and other audiences interested in art, Japanese culture, intimacy, embodiment and underground culture, as well as for established Kinbaku communities.
Can we invite you for a talk without hosting a complete Kinbaku Salon?
Yes. We are also available for artist talks, keynotes, panel conversations and presentations. Our subjects range from Kinbaku history and Japanese aesthetics to photography, visual culture, embodiment, intimacy and contemporary underground culture. Talks can be developed around the theme and audience of your event.
Have something else in mind?
Looking for a speaker for a particular conversation? An unusual cultural collaboration? A screening followed by discussion? A Salon alongside an exhibition, festival or publication? Or simply an idea you would like to explore with us?
Tell us what you are thinking.
Partners in life and rope since 2011, Natasha and Alexander are Berlin based, internationally recognised Kinbaku artists, educators, publishers and embodiment researchers.
Ein schönes Event mit hervorragendem Vortrag über japanische Tattoos und die Hintergründe, vor denen das Hauptelement dargestellt ist. Danach der Hauptteil des Salon mit sehr netten Gesprächen. Toll kuratiert und nette Leute - was will man mehr?
Es war ein sehr schöner Abend. Nette Menschen getroffen und dazu noch etwas über japanische Kunst gelernt.
It was so nice time at the salon. Your performance gives a happy ending vibe of rope and love. May sound a bit dramatic but when talking to you, your vibe also makes me feel at ease. I really want to visit salon night again, before I have to back to Thailand.
Vielen Dank für Euren Besuch in München und besonders freilich für den Vortrag beim Kinky Wohnzimmer. Wir haben von vielen den Input bekommen "Super input - amüsant - vielfältig und lebendig". Dem schließe ich mich gerne an - ich fands einfach toll!
Originally founded in Berlin, the Kinbaku Salon has also been presented at festivals and cultural events internationally, including New York, London, Copenhagen and Lisbon.