New Format Photo Exhibit Tackles Gender Censorship in Nudity (NSFW)

Last Updated on 11/11/2021 by Chris Gampat

In this bold new project, Format champions gender equality on social media by celebrating the uncensored female form.

While there has been an increased appreciation for artful nudity in recent years, censorship of the female form remains not too far behind on various social media platforms. In response to this, Format has recently unveiled a project that explores the persisting issue through the lens of 49 photographers of different ages, locations, practice, and gender.

Titled Terms & Conditions, the project showcases curated photographs celebrating the uncensored female form, primarily the female nipple, which continue to be restricted in community guidelines. With images ranging from portraits and fashion editorials to conceptual studies, the collection and the photographers behind it are pushing for gender equality through uniform representation of the human body.

The female form has been a tricky subject, especially in the field of photography where it is mostly celebrated but also sometimes exploited. However tasteful and creative the photo may be, the stigma on the female body as “inherently pornographic” remains. To this, the photographers used their works and words to reinforce creative freedoms and instill the fact that women in nude should be seen as the human body in its natural form — not as something offensive or sexualized.

“‘When men and women punish each other for telling the truth, we reinforce the notion that lies are better. To be loving we willingly hear the other’s truth, and most important, we affirm the value of truth telling.’ ―Bell Hooks” — Mandy Lyn (cover photo)

“We should have the right to display our bodies however we want, without fear of being punished and demonized. We take pride in our bodies and everyone should be treated equally. We should be respected to do what we want and on our own terms. It is vital to end gendered censorship on social media—we should be able to express ourselves freely with complete control.”  — Richie Shazam

“Our bodies are ours, and they are beautiful for ourselves. They should be equally celebrated regardless of gender. And in this crucial time of self-identity and fluidity, social norms like censorship shouldn’t be allowed to take ownership over our bodies.” — Cameron Lee Phan

“Before there were clothes, there was skin. Whether nudity makes a person excited or offended, neither should determine another’s freedom of expression.” — Victor Cantey

“Gendered censorship reflects societal fears and the power dynamics that keep the female body sexualized, rather than understood. When nipples are deleted off of Instagram for ‘violation of community standards’ it violates our bodies, never the safety of the viewer.” — Mayan Toledano

“In modern society, there is no place for gender censorship. This is a question of equality: why are men allowed and women not allowed to show their bodies? The female breast is not a matter of vulgarity or indecency; it’s a part of the human body, like a hand or a leg. As an artist, I am particularly insulted by Instagram’s ban on the publication of female nipples because it means I have to mutilate my photos.” —Anastasia Akimova