Banned, censored, and sold out: Feminist artist's 'unapologetic' exhibition proves women won’t we silenced

A naked runway, sacred body-painting ceremony and protest installation, feminist artist Kat Shaw urges women to "step into their power - unapologetically."

Copyright | Clare Waters Photography

This past Sunday, March 9th, the Unapologetic Exhibition took St. Albans, Hertfordshire by storm, proving that women’s bodies, voices, and stories will not be erased.

Founded by feminist artist Kat Shaw, the event brought together women from across the UK, the US, Ireland, Australia, and beyond for a transformative, life-changing experience.

The sold-out event at Trestle Arts Base was far more than just an art exhibition—it was a protest, a movement, and a reclaiming of space for women who refuse to be silenced.

Featuring a powerful, protest-style art installation, a sacred body-painting ceremony, and the KATwalk—a naked runway-style performance—Unapologetic shattered societal expectations and encouraged women to step into their power, unapologetically.

“To see women step unapologetically into their power is my ultimate joy,” said Kat Shaw, artist and founder of the event.

“Because those women will spread their power, and the ripple effect will be huge. Together, as women, we are strong. We are sick of having to modify ourselves and our behaviours to fit into a society that pits us as second-class citizens. Now is our time to fight for the equality we deserve. Sunday was beyond my wildest dreams. We are here to be seen. We are here to be heard. We are unapologetic, and I will never stop shouting this—for myself, for my daughter, for my granddaughters and great-granddaughters to come, and for women everywhere.”

A CELEBRATION OF WOMEN, POWER, AND SELF-LOVE

The Unapologetic Exhibition was designed as a space where women could shed the layers of societal shame that have silenced them for generations. It was a place of strength, solidarity, and sisterhood, where attendees took part in a sacred, supportive experience that transformed the way they see themselves and each other.

The event included:

• A protest-style art exhibition, surrounded by banners and placards rejecting outdated beauty standards.

• A deeply personal body-painting ritual, symbolising the shedding of shame and the reclaiming of self-love.

• The KATwalk, where women of all ages, sizes, and backgrounds walked unapologetically, reclaiming their power.

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For many, the event was life-changing:

“The experience is something I want to remember and reflect on for the rest of my life,” said Lindzi, 37, from Leicester. “It was grounding, it was liberating, but mostly I felt so connected to a room full of strangers, reminding me we are not just individuals but part of something far bigger and deeper than our ego.”

“I actually never felt nervous about getting naked in front of so many women because of how Kat held the space from the outset,” shared Michelle, 57, from Cornwall. “In the end, it didn’t feel at all like we were naked. We were just women gathered in sisterhood—supporting each other, cheering each other on. Absolutely life-changing.”

“Being a part of Unapologetic was a life-changing experience for me! I have never felt so embraced and held,” said Naomi, 54, from North Yorkshire. “The collective energy and support from all of the incredible and amazing women helped me to push myself out of my comfort zone and take a step in a new direction of self-appreciation, acceptance, and self-discovery! This was such a significant and emotional thing to share with my beautiful daughter—hand in hand on the KATwalk.”

DEFYING SOCIAL MEDIA CENSORSHIP

While Unapologetic was a triumph in self-expression and empowerment, it did not come without resistance from major social media platforms.

In the weeks leading up to the event, Facebook and Instagram repeatedly censored, restricted, and removed Kat Shaw’s posts—limiting her ability to promote the exhibition and sell her art.

Shaw’s work, which celebrates the raw, natural beauty of the female form, was flagged and removed—despite the fact that heavily edited, hyper-sexualized, and unrealistic portrayals of women are freely allowed on these same platforms.

This double standard is not just about Kat—it’s about all artists, activists, and women who refuse to be erased.To fight back against this systematic silencing, a petition has been launched demanding that Meta (Facebook and Instagram’s parent company) stop censoring feminist artists like Kat Shaw.

A MOVEMENT THAT WON’T BE STOPPED

For the women who took part in Unapologetic, this was not just one day—it was the beginning of something far bigger.

“Having never been involved in something like this, I wasn’t sure what to expect,” said Sarah, 50, from West Sussex. “The entire experience has been absolutely amazing. I stood shoulder to shoulder with an awesome group of strong, inspiring, beautiful warrior women. It was a magical day, and the energy and empathy will stay with me always.”

“I feel so privileged and proud to have participated in the Unapologetic project,” said Donna, 56, from Wales. “Felt beautifully, safely held but absolutely liberating and empowering.”

The ripple effect of Unapologetic is already spreading. The exhibition has ignited conversations about censorship, beauty standards, and the right for women to take up space—fully seen, fully heard, fully unapologetic.

And this is just the beginning.