Australians strip for cancer awareness photo shoot
In an effort to spread awareness about skin cancer, some 2,500 people disrobed on Saturday to pose for American photographer Spencer Tunick at Sydney's Bondi Beach.
Before many of the visitors had a naked swim in the ocean, Tunick, who is known for organising large-scale nudist photo sessions at famous sites, directed them into different poses on the beach using a loudspeaker.
The nude art installation was created by a New York-based artist in partnership with a charity in an effort to spread awareness of melanoma, the fourth most frequent cancer type in Australia. According to predictions from the federal government, Australia will see 17,756 new cases of skin cancer this year, and 1,281 Australians will pass away from the condition.
"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 said at the beach on a crisp spring morning in Sydney.
A participant, Robyn Lindner, said she overcame nerves to strip for the shoot, which organisers said involved 2,500 people.
"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," said Lindner.
The latest large-scale photo session Tunick oversaw in Sydney was in 2010, when 5,200 Australians posed nude in front of the Sydney Opera House.