Uwe Trenkner

Medium: Digital photography

Censored by: Instagram

Was there a notification of removal or downranking, and if so what was the reason given?: Exposing nudity or showing sexual activity

What date was your artwork removed or downranked?: December 25, 2024

Were you given an opportunity to appeal? If so, did you appeal, and if so, what was the response?: Applealed to the oversight board: "I have posted an image of two female bodies; only the legs and feet are visible. They form an abstract figure, recognizable by different skin tones. The idea of the image is to show how bodies from different ethnicities can contribute to creating a new figure and how overcoming barriers of ethnicity creates something new. I generally disagree with Instagram’s ban on all kinds of art containing nudity from its platform. Nudity has been part of art for centuries, not only in European culture but also in African society, Japan, and Polynesia. Ceremonies of the Aborigines in Australia include nudity, as do the reliefs of Ishtar/Inanna from Mesopotamia. To censor such work is to erase centuries of cultural diversity and history. As a gatekeeper for the digital world, Instagram decides what kind of art is appropriate and can be enjoyed by its users. This is a clear violation of §27 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which grants everyone access to and the ability to create art. Furthermore, §19 of the UDHR protects the right to freedom of expression, which includes artistic expression. Art is a fundamental form of communication and self-expression, and artists have long used nudity to explore themes such as identity, body positivity, and cultural heritage. Instagram’s censorship of such art stifles these critical conversations and arbitrarily limits freedom of expression. Instagram is obviously able to recognize any nudity and obscenities on its platform. So, users who do not want to consume this kind of content for religious, ideological, or aesthetic reasons can easily opt-out for this kind of content. There is, therefore, no reason to exclude an entire art genre from the platform."

What consequences have you faced as a result of the downranking or removal? Please describe in detail: No live videos until the 28th Dec - laughable

Website: http://fennel-cello-wftb.squarespace.com/work/crystals-zr6ct?itemId=zkrfsza07xrbptlcpc9n48fmsmfnyv

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/adore.every.body/