WORLD / ASIA-PACIFIC
Thousands of Australians strip for Tunick cancer awareness photo shoot
Published: Nov 27, 2022 06:58 PM
Skin cancer rates have been on the rise in recent years, but there are ways to stay protected. Photo: Li Hao/GT

Skin cancer rates have been on the rise in recent years, but there are ways to stay protected. Photo: Li Hao/GT

Some 2,500 people took off their clothes on Saturday to pose for US photographic artist Spencer Tunick at Sydney's Bondi Beach in an effort to raise awareness about skin cancer.

Tunick, known for staging mass nude photo shoots at world landmarks, used a megaphone to direct attendees into several poses on the beach before many took a naked dip in the ocean.

The New York-based artist collaborated with a charity on the naked art installation in a bid to raise awareness about melanoma, Australia's fourth most common form of cancer. The federal government estimates that in 2022, 17,756 new cases of skin cancer will be diagnosed in Australia, and 1,281 Australians will die from the disease.

"We have an opportunity to raise awareness about skin checks and I'm honored... to come here, make my art and just celebrate the body and protection," Tunick said.

A participant, Robyn Lindner, said she overcame nerves to strip for the shoot, which organizers 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," Lindner said.

Reuters