The social media trend we hope Key doesn't try

Nutscape touches upon both a low-brow vulgarity and a high-brow concept, says its creator. Photo / Twitter

It's hairier than planking, warmer than Frozen Chook, and arguably one of the most inappropriate photo-taking trends to surface on social media.

Nutscaping is the 'art' of taking scenic photos with partial male genitalia hovering in the frame; a lone testicle, to be exact.

And it appears it was started in New Zealand back in 2007 with a website described as a place for "selfies for real men" that shares images of, well, 'nuts' in landscapes.

It's resurfacing is thanks in part to recent attention from international media.

Mashable reported that Nutscapes' founder, Clancy Philbrick said the project has "great artistic depth because it touches upon both a low-brow vulgarity and a high-brow concept".

Most images feature mountainous vistas with a subtle, shadowy intrusion. Others are decorated by a few wiry hairs curling into the shot. But, says Philbrick, they shouldn't be passed off as merely a genital photobomb.

"The positioning of testes looming over these landscapes proposes a lot of interesting questions in regards to mankind versus nature, stewardship, environmental responsibility, future progeny and masculine vulnerability."

While Nutscapes currently has 666 followers on Twitter, the team tweeted last week that their Instagram account was suspended for violating the app's terms of service.

- nzherald.co.nz