Body suspension artists let it all hang out at Skully's

An angel hovered above the stage, a reverend read from his Bible and Jesus was the DJ at Skully’s Music Diner on High Street on Friday.

In a show that began as a demented parody of a Sunday school play, Only Flesh shocked and enthralled the crowd with their live music and body suspensions.

Only Flesh is a Columbus-based group of tattoo and piercing artists whose performances include combinations of body modifications, body suspensions and performance art. The group was founded by front-man “Rev” Shawn Lower in 1997 and is comprised of two bands – Electro Sleaze and Sleaze Core.

Body suspension involves people piercing their bodies with large hooks (think three-to-four inch long fish hooks), attaching chains to the hooks, and then suspending themselves from various fixtures. It is also common for two people to attach a chain to each otgher and play tug-of-war against each other, pulling as hard as they can.

While the process sounds rather gruesome, suspension has spiritual roots. Some Native American tribes would perform suspensions in order to see spirits, which was most likely caused by hallucinations from the pain. However, suspension artist and Only Flesh special guest Maya Sinstress agrees with the spiritual aspect of suspensions.

“For us it’s very spiritual; it’s something that is so relaxing it’s kind of like doing yoga,” Sinstress said.

Only Flesh began Friday’s show with Lower reading from his Bible and welcoming the crowd to what he called a “church of diversity.” While Lower read, Sinstress lead out Jesus carrying a cross, portrayed by group member Shrapnel. While Lower spoke, the other artists were busy attaching their hooks to various fixtures – including a crucifix – and preparing for their suspensions. Shrapnel, hanging from the crucifix by hooks in his calves and back, was the DJ and sampled, dangling over his soundboards.

Further on in the set, Lower dangled by his wrists while Sinstress was suspended from hooks in Lower’s back – a very intricate suspension. Sinstress was also featured on center stage, hanging above the other artists, twirling and dancing in the air. Spinning, her face looked calm and serene, despite the blood oozing from the piercings in her back.

Throughout the set, Lower had hooks in his arms, back and shoulders. He even had hooks in his chin while singing. Another suspended artist was pushing himself off the stage wall so he could hover and twist above the audience. And amidst all the mayhem, the band played.

While the art of suspension looks incredibly painful, some artists disagree. Sinstress said she didn’t think any of the suspended artists who performed Friday night actually feel the pain of suspension.

“You just have to remember we’re not actually in pain,” Sinstress said. “It’s just something we enjoy.”

At least one audience member wasn’t deterred by the gruesome aspects of suspension. Brittanie Sarnes, 18, said this was her first time watching Only Flesh, but she already knows she is interested in trying suspensions herself.

“I’d like to start before the year is over,” Sarnes said.

Only Flesh will be touring in Los Angeles, Chicago and Detroit before returning to Columbus to play at Skully’s again on Aug. 1.

Cora Kilcoyne can be reached at [email protected].