As an artist who believes in freedom of expression, I feel it is important that I speak up about the unjust policy enforced upon many users of deviantART.

deviantART's definition of pornographic material [FAQ #565: You prohibit the submission of 'pornographic material'; what do you consider this to be?] restricts artists who choose to express themselves in a sexual manner. I believe is quite possible to create artwork that is sexual, graphic, and quite possibly obscene, without being solely for erotic use. deviantART's definition of pornography is oppressive, sexist, ignorant, and in dire need of reform.

While it is understandable that dA feels it is right to limit the amount of sexual material that is uploaded onto user galleries, their oppressive nature is ridiculously unjust. It is impossible for any one group of directors to accurately define what constitutes as pornographic, and what differs that from erotic art or artistic nudes. By defining pornography, one defines what 'isn't' art (and who are they to tell us that?).

As a community of diverse artists, we all know quite well that art is 100% subjective, and in such a vibrant community I assume we would all agree that we have the right to free speech and expression. If the authorities of deviantART believe in this, and wish to represent and aid in the development of the worlds best and most lively online community of creative minds, then they should also realise that to assume the power of defining what is or isn't pornography is entirely hypocritical. deviantART does NOT have the right to tell us that our work is pornographic, as only the author knows the true intentions of his creations.

It could be argued that these rules are put in place to maintain the 'cleanliness and dignity' of the galleries here, and to prevent the invasion of distasteful pornography that has invaded more than half of the internets' web domains. However, to delete artwork simply to uphold an image of cleanliness and perfection, to satisfy the complaints of a runaway society largely against sexual expression is CENSORSHIP. Yes, an honor-system based on the users idea of what is or isn't pornography is open to abuse, however the positives of liberating an inherently sexual society to freely express said sexuality, completely outweighs the negatives.
Society has always denied the undeniable presence of sexuality in the media from the beginning. As the world's most dominant species, are we not yet developed enough to admit to our true nature?

Take this for example: DeviantART prohibits SPECIFICALLY the depiction of the male erection. The male erection is as much a symbol of male sexuality as breasts are to women! It is a part of the body, and to disallow such a natural display of one of the simplest forms of human passion and emotion is pure arrogance. This is extremely sexist, and out right offensive. This just emphasizes the fact that deviantART's view on sex in art is in need of an overhaul. Because in fact, all sexual nature can be used to express emotion, or particular aesthetics that can dramatically differ it from pornography. This includes masturbation, sexual intercourse, or any fluids depicted to be a product of sexual activities. Ultimately, sex in art is just another way to express feelings and concepts – and this is something that the authorities of deviantART should respect.

I propose that:

1) We completely eradicate any ban on work of sexual nature, so that those who genuinely wish to express themselves via sexual imagery, are free to do so.
2) We should continue to enforce the use of content filters, as it is good to advise potential viewers of potentially offensive content.
3) Where the artist applies a strict 'mature content' tag to his work, he should be reminded that one is forbidden to post artwork that is blatantly pornographic and devoid of any artistic merit.


Sex is a huge part of what makes us human. It has fueled wars and religion, great legends and stories like Romeo and Juliet. To deny us expression of our sexuality is to deny us our right to be human. I understand that deviantART goes to great lengths to allow all forms of expression, but one cannot deny the awesome and enigmatic, terrifyingly beautiful and vibrant world of sex.


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for deviantART's definition of 'ornography' click FAQ #565: You prohibit the submission of 'pornographic material'; what do you consider this to be?