Valentine Amartey

Valentine Amartey is a Brooklyn based designer, performer, rope artist and educator. He began making costumes for various downtown performance artist back in the ’90s. In one occasion, he designed the costumes for a performance that called for rope looks for an underground burlesque troupe. He says that is when he discovered the art of Shibari. So, he immediately incorporated the art form into his design work.

Valentine combines elements of machine knitting, lingerie and accessory design to build edgy pieces with couture sensibility. He is an experienced designer in theatre and costume and has clients such as Shakira and Lady Gaga. Likewise, he has designed for the Calvin Klein collection.

He loves the aesthetic, complex and beautiful form of art of Shibari. He began his studies with Tyutumi, who received his basic training in Shibari from Mistress Midori. After years of practice, Valentine was ready to share his knowledge. So, he began giving lessons to all levels of Shibari practitioners.

Valentine believes Shibari is a discipline that involves the control of the rope, of your partner and yourself, which he finds greatly appealing. He loves the balance of Shibari, which has evolved from a form of torture into something that is visually stunning and that combines aesthetics with emotions and experiences. The combination of brutality and beauty is fascinating to Valentine.

Valentine Amartey imparts one of Japan’s most fascinating and erotic practices, which is the ancient Japanese art of Shibari Rope Bondage. He offers private and group lessons, as well as workshops in your home. Valentine has been a Shibari instructor in SHAG’s for almost 10 years.

In his classes, you will learn the concept of power exchange with rope. The lessons are for couples, to learn how to tie one another and understand this ancient art form.