Spencer Tunick is a very powerful man. He has the ability to get thousands of people to throw off their clothes in very public spaces. Willingly. Considering many people find it difficult to even get in their swimmers and hit the beach due to concerns about their body and they way the look – I think that’s pretty amazing!
Spencer’s latest art installation took place at the Sydney Opera house this morning where 5200 ordinary citizens braved a rather fresh morning to throw away their knickers and pose nude. They received no payment for getting their kit off, but will get a print of Spencer’s work. As you can see below it’s quite a sight to see so many people standing in front of one of Australia’s most famous landmarks with no clothes on.
Image: Brisbane Times
My husband I have been discussing this event over dinner this evening and both of us agreed while we are comfy and ok with our bodies, we don’t think we could be as brave as this. It needs to be remembered here that these people have not stood on a spot, coyly undressed, had their photo taken then quickly whipped their gear back on and walked away. They have all undressed at a spot together then had to walk to the Opera House steps and for an hour and half be instructed to pose, move about, turn around and create a large, moving, living sculpture.
No matter what you think of public nudity – I think that takes quite a bit of courage AND a great deal of body confidence. As you can further see from this photo gallery of the event the photograph Spencer has taken has not been of a sea of supermodels and men with washboard stomachs. There are people of all ages, different ethnicities, varying shapes and vastly different body types. Some people are young. Some are old. Some are thin. Some are fat. These are the bodies of Mum’s, Grandparents and average guys.
While I may not take all my clothes off, I do take my hat off to these people. Just imagine if all of us felt so comfortable and at peace with our body that we felt perfectly ok to pose nude for an art photo in a public space, surrounded by thousands of people. Would we indeed have any such thing as negative body image? Hmmmm. I wonder.
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
That is really amazing! In that, to a degree, I think there is safety in numbers. I keep considering trying to push my comfort level and try out for an artist model, but haven't had the guts yet.
It would take me ALOT of vodka to do this! When I was in college a now very well known photographer had asked me if I would consider doing a nude photo (artsy) I said no because of fear and now looking back I wish I had the guts to do it. I coulda been famous
this is astonishing event, let alone a photo event! Artists who work with the human figure are comfortable with working with and observing the nude, but to have 5000+ "ordinary" (extraordinary!) folks be able to gather and participate in front of one of the most famous of Australia's landmarks is really amazing.