Sophie Tea on the Release of Her First Book Ever, "Send Nudes"
The London-based feminist artist discusses her “nudie” era.
Feminist artist Sophie Tea joins Hypebae for an interview on her latest drop, ”Send Nudes,” the coffee table book releasing March 4.
Sophie Tea gained popularity — and a cult following of “nudies” to match — in 2019 when her artwork and online sales began to flourish. Before process videos were a thing pushed by Instagram’s algorithm, Tea used the creative style to “make women feel just a tiny bit better about themselves.” Her work is raw and a true portrayal of the different types of femme bodies that exist, and her process videos are moments of intimacy as she crafts each piece.
Her London-based art gallery, Sophie Tea Art Gallery, features an all-femme staff, further extending her mission of femme empowerment. “Send Nudes,” also furthers that mission and Tea “hopes it acts as a constant reminder throughout the course of your life that you’re amazing.”
Keep reading for our intimate conversation with Sophie Tea.
When did you begin working on the pieces featured in “Send Nudes?”
I began painting nudes in October 2019.
What inspired the name “Send nudes?”
When I decided to focus my work on the female form I was looking online for nude reference imagery. I was met — obviously — with pornographic photos. I had a vision to paint more joyous energy, rather than an overtly sexual one and the world of Google wasn’t providing the goods! My community on Instagram was around 50,000 so I made the decision to ask:
“In the name of art, will you send me your nudes?”
The next morning I woke up to over 1,000 nude photographs in my DMs from women all across the world. I simply could not believe it. Women from all backgrounds, ethnicities, body size and ages (18 – 80). There were nudes featuring self-harm scars, amputees, mastectomies, colostomy bags, stretch marks… The most humbling thing about the entire experience was the beautiful stories that accompanied the pictures.
Some were hilarious. ‘I’ve never even sent my boyfriend a nude, but here’s one for you, Soph!’ I had one Dropbox link with no explanation and 150+ nude photos over a period of years – LEGEND!!! One that I will never ever forget is a photograph of a lady with a double mastectomy; she explained that her mother had passed away from breast cancer two months earlier and that it would be an honour if her story could be a part of this project.
I was in complete shock at their trust and bravery, and it was at that moment I knew I had found my muses. I had my purpose, and ‘SEND NUDES’ was born!
“In the name of art, will you send me your nudes?”
Of the many eras that have empowered you and the nudie community, which is your favorite?
I consider ‘Send Nudes’ the title of my era which spans from October 2019, until the release of this very book. I would say the single event that empowered the nudie community and I the most would be our final nudie show at The Waldorf Astoria, London.
I was totally overwhelmed by the response, receiving over 2,000 applications from women to walk nude covered in paint down a catwalk.
Their strength, bravery, love and vulnerability was a profound inspiration to me that will last for my lifetime. Thousands were to attend and nerves within the team ran high. Watching backstage as the girls took to the catwalk is a memory that will be with me forever. They came alive, baring all in front of family, friends and strangers alike. The energy in that room on that night was just magical and I have never felt more empowered to be a woman.
What does the celebration of nudes mean to you?
The celebration of nudes to me is the most pure form of self-love one could practice.
Sophie Tea
How has your community impacted you?
The Nudie community has had a significant impact on the relationship I have with my own body. I had agonised over mine for years after being so insecure about the size of my boobs. My community has helped me to understand that my body does not define you as a person and it should be celebrated for the things it does for you.
The Nudies have helped to shape who I am as a woman. I feel greater confidence as an artist and perhaps more importantly, just a little more comfortable in my own skin. I have made friends for life, and the constant communication with and amongst the Nudie family proves that they have too.
Do you have a favorite work of art from this book?
My ‘Sophie’ NFT. In the name of art, I got nude. SO many incredible women got naked for me, so I thought it was about time I took one for the team. I’m so proud of how far I’ve come in accepting who I am, and it’s largely due to the Nudies that have walked for me in my shows. Moved by your bravery and dedication to help other women, you really have made me feel so empowered in my own skin.
The NFT ‘Sophie’ is a 3D scan of my naked figure, animated and abstracted through multiple forms. It portrays the evolution of the Nudie era. A wire frame slowly maps the outline of my body, which is then enveloped in a film of holographic paint. Footage of the nude catwalk shows are projected onto my torso. I solidify into a marble statue and finally, shatter into pieces. The NFT serves as a reminder that we are all beautiful in our own unique way. Although I am terribly cringed out, this is me, and I am fabulous just the way I am.
When did you know this book was actually complete?
This is such a hard question. As I consider this book a piece of art, finishing it was one of my most difficult tasks. I could have kept going, tinkering and changing. Because it’s taken me 3 years, it’s interesting to see how much my aesthetic style has changed during the process. It was hard to hit COMPLETE, but this coffee table book is one of my most proud achievements and I’m so excited to share it with the world.
Tell me about the “This Is Me” poem included in your book.
This poem was written by Charlotte Simons-Dukes, one of our Carnaby Gallery Nudies. She wrote it on the day that we opened our first gallery on Carnaby Street back in 2020. I often read it when I need that little reminder of how truly wonderful we are!
Any advice for femmes on their journey of reclaiming themselves and their body?
The most important relationship is the one you have with yourself. Nurture that relationship and be patient. Know that it is not always easy to practice self-love, but you must do it anyway. Most importantly, you are beautiful.
Preoder the “Send Nudes” coffee table book on Sophie Tea’s website.
This interview has been condensed for clarity.
Share this article
