Art / Ellen Downes

300 golden nipples feature in new exhibition

By Sarski Anderson  Tuesday Sep 5, 2023

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.

Independent journalism
is needed now More than ever
Keep our city's journalism independent. Become a supporter member today.

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

Listen to the latest Bristol24/7 Behind the Headlines podcast:

Our top newsletters emailed directly to you
I want to receive (tick as many as you want):
I'm interested in (for future reference):
Marketing Permissions

Bristol24/7 will use the information you provide on this form to be in touch with you and to provide updates and marketing. Please let us know all the ways you would like to hear from us:

We will only use your information in accordance with our privacy policy, which can be viewed here - www.bristol247.com/privacy-policy/ - you can change your mind at any time by clicking the unsubscribe link in the footer of any email you receive from us, or by contacting us at meg@bristol247.com. We will treat your information with respect.


We use Mailchimp as our marketing platform. By clicking below to subscribe, you acknowledge that your information will be transferred to Mailchimp for processing. Learn more about Mailchimp's privacy practices here.

Related articles

You've read %d articles this month
Consider becoming a member today
Independent journalism
is needed now More than ever
You've read %d articles this month
Consider becoming a member today
You've read %d articles this month
Consider becoming a member today
Join the Better
Business initiative
You've read %d articles this month
Consider becoming a member today
* prices do not include VAT
You've read %d articles this month
Consider becoming a member today
Enjoy delicious local
exclusive deals
You've read %d articles this month
Consider becoming a member today
Wake up to the latest
Get the breaking news, events and culture in your inbox every morning