American photographer Spencer Tunick, who is known for his large-scale nude shoots, organised a meaningful installation at Sydney’s Bondi Beach over the weekend. Starting at 3:30am, around 2,500 volunteers posed naked in the morning light.
The art project, which was done in collaboration with Skin Check Champions, aims to raise awareness of the risks of skin cancer and encourage Australians to get regular checks. According to the World Cancer Research Fund, Australia has the highest rates of skin cancer in the world.
“We have an opportunity to raise awareness about skin checks and I’m honoured… to come here, make my art and just celebrate the body and protection,” Tunick told Reuters.
Many volunteers said that despite feeling nervous about getting naked, they were proud to be part of spreading an important message.
“I was secretly terrified (and) last night I have to confess I was thinking, ‘What have I done?’ But it was great, everyone was a really good vibe, everyone was really respectful and it just felt really fun,” participant Robyn Lindner told Reuters.