Art / Ellen Downes
300 golden nipples feature in new exhibition
Body casting artist and founder of the Every Body’s Story project Ellen Downes works from her studio in Barton Hill.
Her work is dedicated to celebrating women and non-binary people’s bodies, amplifying marginalised voices and challenging what she terms “unwanted sexualisation and censorship of our nipples”.
Her new exhibition at Centrespace Studios and Gallery is called CENSORED. It runs from September 15-20, and is to be accompanied by a number of evening events and workshops in life drawing and bust casting.
The work showcased in the main installation is a collection of 300 golden nipple casts lining the gallery walls, confronting issues around censorship, public breastfeeding, and sexual harassment.
Group image from ‘Censored’ exhibition
Over a nine week period, Downes worked with 150 women and non-binary people on the project.
“My body casting experience was comfortable, peaceful and playful,” says one participant. “It feels great to say I have been part of something that challenges the male gaze.”
Ellen Downes artist portrait
Another reflects: “This is such an empowering exhibition to be a part of.
“I can’t wait to see my nipples golden on the walls alongside the others; it really feels like we’re coming together in power and resistance.”
Participants in the exhibition
Censored is at Centrespace Gallery from September 15-20, with a private view on September 14 at 7.30pm; the exhibition is ticketed, and open at 10am-6pm daily, with separate ticketed evening events in the gallery space. For more information visit www.everybodysstory.co.uk.
Follow Ellen Downes @everybodysstory on Insta.
All photos: Ana Clark Ribiero
Read more: Bristol artist celebrates women’s bodies by taking their casts
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