Shifts in Time: Autumn 2025
In Shifts in Time: Autumn, a significant number of my posts of artwork were removed from my Google profile on “sexually explicit” grounds. The paintings were created in 2023/24.
This has happened several times, and while it’s frustrating, it’s valuable to clarify beliefs and to convey the significance behind the art. It’s essential to engage with a broader audience and not just mainstream art enthusiasts. Perception is part of the process; it can be a double-edged sword, bringing both positive and negative consequences.
Several questions have been raised by “experts” on public platforms, representing customer concerns about sexually explicit content in my posts. This is a fair and valid point, especially for artists uploading their work to social media platforms like Google, YouTube, Facebook, X, and LinkedIn. This presents an opportunity to explain why certain subjects, central to their work, can often be misunderstood, misrepresented, or misperceived by a broader audience outside the typical art community. Despite advancements in AI technology, isn’t it right that platforms like Google engage in monitoring content, acting as a form of cultural oversight?
Provided are examples of what was removed and why they should be reinstated.
URGENT: – Artwork deemed sexually explicit, which the artist entirely disagrees with. My artwork was removed for allegedly being sexually explicit, a characterisation I find entirely misguided. Those responsible should recognise my work for its educational and artistic significance. This piece of work is part of an ongoing project in collaboration with world-class microbiologists at the Centre for Bacterial Cell Biology, Newcastle University. It explores an often-overlooked aspect of life that society is not yet familiar with. The artwork is essential for delivering comprehensive scientific analysis and offers a fresh, innovative approach to the art of painting. I urge those making hasty decisions about subjects as important as the advancement of mankind to act with integrity and carefully consider their conclusions. Hidden Kingdoms: Shifting Worlds was established at the Centre for Bacterial Cell Biology, Newcastle University, by artist Derek Hill, former director Professor Jeff Errington, FRS, Professor Colin Harwood, and Dr Richard Daniel, CBCB. This is what eminent academics say about this artwork. “I can’t speak highly enough of Derek and his passion and commitment to melding the contrasting approaches of art and science in the context of microbiology.” Science is often a highly regimented endeavour aimed at understanding the fundamental mechanisms of life. At the same time, Derek’s art relieves us of that rigid discipline and takes us into a world just as passionate but vivid and unfettered by the logical framework in which we scientists are normally trapped!” Professor Jeff Errington, FRS (former Director of CBCB), ARC Australian Laureate Fellow, University of Sydney Hill’s work has provided a uniquely different perspective on the interaction between microorganisms. This has, in some ways, bridged the gap between our research into the complex interactions that occur at the molecular level in a cell or a specific strain, how they impact bacterial cell morphology and viability, and how they are visually altered in nature. Both of these aspects are well documented in the scientific literature but are not easily conveyed to the general public. As such, our collaboration with Hill is an ideal platform to develop public engagement in an area of biology that has significance to all aspects of life.” Dr Richard Daniel, Senior Lecturer, CBCB
–The piece is part of a collaborative project with world-class microbiologists at Newcastle University.
– Aims to highlight an overlooked aspect of life and contribute to scientific and human understanding. – The artist emphasises the educational and artistic value of the work. – Threatens to delete all Google profiles if the artwork is not reinstated. – Urges decision-makers to consider the importance of the project and act with integrity.
