A powerful art exhibition in St Albans has sparked a conversation about women’s rights, censorship, and self-acceptance, after social media platforms restricted the event’s promotion.
The Unapologetic Exhibition, founded by feminist artist Kat Shaw, took place on Sunday, 9 March, drawing women from across the UK, US, Ireland, and Australia. Far more than a traditional art showcase, the sold-out event at Trestle Arts Base became a platform for protest, empowerment, and self-expression.
Among its features was a protest-style art installation, a sacred body-painting ceremony, and the KATwalk, where participants walked a runway without clothing, rejecting societal pressures and reclaiming their bodies.
Shaw described the event as a defining moment in her mission to challenge restrictions placed on women.
“To see women step unapologetically into their power is my ultimate joy,” she said.
“For too long, we have been forced to modify ourselves to fit into a society that sees us as second-class citizens. But we refuse to be silenced. Sunday was beyond my wildest dreams—we are here, we are seen, we are heard, and we will never stop fighting.”
A movement of self-acceptance
Attendees described the event as a life-changing experience, creating a space where women could shed societal shame and find strength in sisterhood.
Lindzi, 37, from Leicester, said:
“I want to remember this for the rest of my life. It was grounding, liberating, and deeply connecting—a reminder that we are part of something bigger.”
Michelle, 57, from Cornwall, shared:
“I was never nervous about getting naked in front of so many women because of how Kat held the space. In the end, it wasn’t about nudity—it was about support, encouragement, and empowerment.”
Naomi, 54, from North Yorkshire, who participated with her daughter, added:
“The collective energy pushed me beyond my comfort zone. It was a step towards self-appreciation, acceptance, and self-discovery.”
Fighting censorship
Despite its success, Unapologetic faced resistance in the weeks leading up to the event. Social media platforms Facebook and Instagram repeatedly removed posts promoting the exhibition, citing content restrictions.
Shaw’s work, which celebrates the unfiltered beauty of the female form, was flagged and taken down—a stark contrast to the hyper-sexualised portrayals of women widely permitted on these same platforms.
In response, a petition has been launched demanding that Meta, Facebook and Instagram’s parent company, stop censoring feminist artists.
“This isn’t just about my art,” Shaw said. “It’s about all women who refuse to be erased.”
The beginning of something bigger
For those involved, Unapologetic was not just an event—it was the start of a movement.
Sarah, 50, from West Sussex, said:
“I stood shoulder to shoulder with strong, inspiring women. The energy and empathy will stay with me forever.”
Donna, 56, from Wales, described it as:
“A beautifully liberating and empowering experience.”
With its message spreading beyond the exhibition, Unapologetic has ignited fresh debates on censorship, beauty standards, and women’s right to take up space—seen, heard, and unapologetic.