The Censored and Uncensored Version of Senju Shunga's Seishin
24 september 2020 
3 min. read

The Censored and Uncensored Version of Senju Shunga's Seishin

Instagram’s refusal to differentiate between art and pornography is something artists dealing with sensual themes have to deal with over and over again. An example of this is the artist we’ve been following for years now (new interview soon) Senju Shunga.

Below you can find the censored and uncensored version of his most recent work ‘Seishin‘ (issued yesterday), a description and the artist’s comments on Instagram…

seishin

This is the censored Instagram post of ‘Seishin

Celestial Bodies or Stars

Seishin is a Japanese word and is translated as celestial bodies or stars. In this new version of an older work by Senju, the artist seeks to tap into new skills and insights in order to better capture his original vision. The word that first came to him during the process was intimacy and how our sexuality is a part of that most human of our heart’s desires. When we are truly intimate we merge with the universe in the way we were originally intended to. Without separation or feelings of being all alone in the dark void.

Aesthetic Chains

The process was also intended as a way to further brake free from aesthetic chains and the idea of having to remain the same for any period of prescribed time. Who were one minute ago is very far from what we are in the exact Now, and it is the feeble attempt of recreating the past and predict the future that makes us so full of anxiety. (description by the artist himself).

seishin

Uncensored picture ‘Seishin‘ (September 2020) by Senju Shunga

Senju Shunga’s reaction on IG…

“As the original post was removed after someone reported it, along with 5 other posts, also removed by IG, I choose to repost this painting in a slightly censored version. The last week I have had no fewer than 10 posts censored and removed and I must say it is a frustrating and sad game of private moral police vs art that continues to rage on this platform. Though I completely agree that some form of moderating have to be present, I also strongly feel that there has to be a separation between serious art with erotic content and what I would simply name ordinary porn. In the case of my removed posts, and the subsequent threat from IG to delete my account, they were all removed after someone reported them.

seishin close up gemitals

River of Stupidity and Ignorance

The images were all to abstract and subtle in their depiction of erotic interactions for any AI or algorithm to discover. So why does some people feel this urgency to “save” our souls from sensuality and sexuality? Answering that would take up more space here than I am allowed to use for writing, but I think most of you already have a hunch. It’s just that kind of crazy world the social media platforms have created and continue to fuel. Luckily enough we can use the very same platforms to find a better way ahead and to be beacons of light in an otherwise darkening reality of Trumpism, Qanon idiocy, inequality, misogyny, intolerance and an never ending river of stupidity and ignorance. I will continue to create art but I am considering to not show fully uncensored works here but instead show you each time necessary to my own website or the gallery website. It would be of no use if my account was deleted at this stage so let’s see how we can continue our beautiful relationship of artistband viewers without giving them the satisfaction of silencing us. Love you all.” (Senju)

You can explore an extensive amount of articles on the artist by clicking HERE…!!

This new “Seishin” work is now available in Senju’s gallery…!!

One of the main reasons why I founded Shunga Gallery is to offer “sensual” artists and fans of their art the opportunity to discuss and show their work freely. What do you think about Instagram’s sensitivity? Leave your reaction in the comment box below…!!

About the author
Marijn is the founder of shungagallery.com. With more than 20 years of experience within the sensual and erotic art of shunga he is an authority in the genre. During this time he served many customers with complementing their art collection.
marcello
By

marcello

on 26 Sep 2020

Come sempre è un problema di libertà e ignoranza.se voglio guardo,se non voglio non guardo. impedire agli altri di fare e dire ciò che a te non va è dannatamente assurdo e pericoloso.come sempre complimenti per i vostri articoli e illustrazioni. continuiamo.........(As always, it is a problem of freedom and ignorance. If I want to look, I look, if I don't want I don't look, I don't look. Preventing others from doing and saying what is wrong with you is damn absurd and dangerous. as always congratulations on your articles and illustrations. keep on going.........)

Marijn
By

Marijn

on 26 Sep 2020

Thanks a lot Marcello, you're absolutely right. Censorship does not have an honest starting point with deceptive motives and is about preserving that ignorance. I am pleased you enjoy our articles!

Jozua Hattingh
By

Jozua Hattingh

on 17 Oct 2020

I think you are ridiculous to blame in this context "Trumpism" . Typical of some one that have no idea what she is talking about when she say it. You are such a wise person with such a lovely feeling for erotic art and I am learning such a lot from you. To see this stupid remark I can just suggest that you are blaming without in depth knowledge of what the ordinary person want. You are playing politics and it does not belong here and elitism take away from the truth.

Marijn
By

Marijn

on 19 Oct 2020

Thanks Jozua. You are absolutely right, political subjects (except for censorship) are not suitable for our platform. The reference to "Trumpism" comes from the description of the artist on Instagram and is not my opinion.. Anyway, I am pleased you enjoy our content and hope you'll continue to do so!

Carmelo Militano
By

Carmelo Militano

on 08 Jan 2021

Senju your work is beautiful and sensual. Why, oh why do those who think, although i doubt they do think at all, your work should not be viewed on IG or elsewhere at this point 21st century are beyond ignorance. Stunning how we people continue to try and censor the truly beautiful thing we all possess.The body.And the one thing we are all free in our own way to as you say 'create intimacy.'

Marijn
By

Marijn

on 09 Jan 2021

Thanks a lot for your nice words Csrmelo. I'll pass it on to Senju.

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