Okay, if you can't stand nudity you better go away now ;) Well, during the summer of 2001 we read in the local newspaper that (in)famous art-photographer Spencer Tunick was coming to our town on august the 25th as part of his Nudes Adrift project. If you don't know Spencer Tunick (New York, 1967) let me tell you this. During the last few years he has become world famous, and to some infamous for his photos that feature many nude people in public places....like objects. He arranges them usually having them lying down on the ground, across kerbs, along pavements, public parks or whatever....sometimes almost like a 'carpet of people'. One of his well known projects was Nude States, where he would make photos of nake people in all US states, like people would cross a street in NYC, in the middle of winter.....stuff like that. Now he was working on Nudes Adrift - something similar, but now across the whole world. The boss of a little museum here knows Tunick personally, so he didn't choose for a town like Amsterdam, but ours :) Okay, so we were having this incredibly hot summer, last august, and having watched the weather reports every day it seemed that the 25 was going to be one of those special summer days....where it's getting really hot early in the morning already, and it'll start cooling down way after midnight. Well, I'm sure you know what I mean :) When reading about it in the newspaper, like more than 2 weeks before, I was thinking who'd be so nuts to take off their clothes in our town, but as the 25th got closer and closer I got this nervous feeling and felt curious enough to perhaps have a quick look that day. So a few days before it all was going to happen I read in the same paper that they put up a planning for those who wanted to join the fun. At like 6am you'd have to register at one of his assistants, take off your clothes and listen to the master :) You have to know that my hometown is this year 750 years old....I live in a town called Breda in the Netherlands, so as you can imagine the setting for photos like that (with the old streets, buildings, stones, etc) it would be really going to be something unique. First people would gather in the park, near a pond with a fountain and after that he wanted to move into the city center, to take photos in some of the old streets. This stuff was sticking in my mind for all that time and when it was the evening of the 24th I decided to go....well, I didn't expect anyone really mad enoug, like I already said, so why not have a look and see what's going on. So....I woke up at around 5am, took a cool shower that felt really nice after a warm and damp night, and after that I kind of felt funny having to put on clothes, although riding naked to that park would probably be a bit silly ;) Anyway, it was still incredibly dark and there was nobody outside yet, except for a taxi or so.....no traffic, cause it was a saturday morning. almost got to the park....nothing yet....everything still so quiet, everybody seemed still asleep and I felt like a fool, waking up so early. Well, when I got there I was completely shocked! The whole park was crowded....I read the next day that around 2000 people were there to be photographed! Amazing, I never thought that anyone would have enough courage =) Really awesome....everything still dark, just before dawn.

So I thought 'hey what the heck!'....it's bloody hot outside, it was still dark at the moment I got to the park so I registered myself before I could even think about it :P And the next moment I was already taking off my stuff, lol! Well, it kind of helps when your are not the only one, and there aren't any people watching you specifically....there was the odd cop ofcourse, but since there's nothing illegal about this they were just enjoying themselves in a funny kind of way :) So while being there it became obvious that this was a pretty well organized project....having around 5 or 6 assisents, and there were also a few tv stations present, which made it all more special.

The amazing this was that there weren't just these typical nudist kind of people, but all kinds of people....one 80 year old women was having her birthday and thought it was funny to secretly do before her family came to visit her (probably coming to visit that old, boring grandmother again ;)....also people that were fans of Tunick's work, some came even from other countries.....but also just art lovers, people who came for fun, old people, young people, fat people, thin people....mothers with babies, but most of all people who never did something like this before. So no gathering of experienced nudists, dirty old men or other weird folk :) Actually, the atmostphere was very relaxed....almost a 60's like happening going on there. A little public area, but without anyone objecting to it in anyway. (probably because everybody sane was still sleeping ;)

Anyway, the shooting took much, much longer than expected, but it was lots of fun....having to lay down on the cool grass, in the shade, listening to the birds.....everything so layed back, and people talking quietly. Spencer Tunick seemed to be a very nervous, almost neurotic kind of guy, who at first just couldn't get everything arranged the way he wanted it, but he explained to some of us that he is used to getting arrested because of these shootings almost everywhere else in the world, so he is used to having to work in a hurry all the time. He did relax a bit as well, so after an hour it was lots of fun. Looking back at the shots some of the journalists made, I think he arranged everyone very beautifully, with lots of respect to everyone.....the newspaper's shots prove that I think, cause they look stunning, so I guess an art photographer should be able to make it ever better =) I love this shot in the park.....he was shooting above us on a ladder, in a straight line with us...sort of aiming for the fountain.

After that shooting we all moved through town's center (that's the oldest part of our town, the part that used to be within the city's walls during the beginning). I think he picked one of the most amazing locations for a shot, because both the street has been renovated some time ago and the sun was shining soooo beautifully into the street (which is very small, with high buildings). He made us all move our backs to him, with us all lying in the same direction....straight. So you just got a sea of hips and shoulders......I think that made a wonderful scene. It was like we all were sleeping outside, cause of the heat. And the weirdest thing was that there was nobody looking through a window or looking in the street....like we were all alone. Awesome, I'll never forget that experience! After that he made us all stand up and face him...because of the sunlight, I think we'd get underexposed, and so only our faces became really visible....and everybody's hair was lit up by the sunlight. Weird, this looks like a real 60's movie.

You know, I haven't yet seen the results from Spencer Tunick himself....I'm very curious. But I'm glad I joined that day....it was so weird, but because of the early morning and the warm summer heat a very special and once-in-a-lifetime experience. And it was very special to be in front of the camera of a really good photographer......I'm not sure if so many people had done this in a busy street for instance, but I guess photography is also about being lucky enough to be at the right place at the right time, isn't it ? There's one thing I didn't understand, but didn't dare to ask Tunick....he was sweating like crazy in his shirt and (long) trousers, so why didn't he take off his clothes too ? His assistents held all his stuff anyway =)

..... PS I hope the nudity warning was enough.....apologies if it isn't or if it shocked anyone....

Oh wow! That fourth and fifth shot are quite neat. My hat goes off to you. I don't know if I could muster up the courage. Personally I've never decided to go to a nude beach!!! What is really cool is the grand mother!!! Chuckle!!! Thanks for the story and the pics. Maker sure you lock these pictures up somwear safe. I'm sure you will look back at this experience fondly and will want the pictures to remind you just how it went. Again Cheers! Bsteph

I have been following his work on nerve.com. This is the first behind the scenes description. I like your shoulders picture, it is special, and should not offend. A unique experience to say the least. From this and other observation I would say most people over 25 should be clothed most of the time. Just to not spoil lunch if for no other reason. Bill

Ho ho ho. Cruel. Very cruel Bill. =;-)

Thanks for this story Rork, I'm glad you had the courage to join in...the insider story and these images are so amazing! Spencer Tunick came to Melbourne last year, and literally hundreds turned up, unfortunately I was not one of them! I always thought his images were quite beautiful art, some of my friends thought he was just trying to get publicity by getting everyone nude. I feel he is trying to show us something important and beautiful about what we humans can be, stripped figuratively and literally of the material trappings of "modern society". Once again Rork, thanks so much! You Tha' Man RORK!!! You are! =)> Oh and Bill, I know you were saying that toungue in cheek...being a Nurse for over 20 years now, I have seen plenty of naked bodies young and old...and watched in the mirror as mine has gradually changed! (sometimes with dismay, but most of the time with amused acceptance!) One thing I do know though, no matter how many sags and wrinkles on a person, it's always the inner beauty that shines through!

Bsteph - I'd never even consider going to a nude beach or stuff like that. But having the chance to walk around town naked, just for once was just a weird and funny opportunity, hehe :) I hope Tunick will put this stuff in a book when the project is done, cause I'd love to have his shots :) Alpha - Wow, that's very beautifully spoken....I knew his work a bit, but his name didn't ring a bell to be honest. It was just fun to see such a pro photographer in action :) Bill - lol =) Punk - That's very true, 'old' is such a relative word....and that is a very interesting description of his work :) Well, thanks for all the replies....it's great to read everything =)

IMHO It is my own personal opinion that the child in the photo in reply #6 should not have to witness this behavior simply because it is confusing and at this age can't possibly make their own decisions or conclusions. The photo bothers me. That's just my opinion. However, this is an amazing photograph. I could go on for an hour about what makes this photo a great one. Attention is focused directly to the child in an otherwise totally abstract sea of people. This photo works for me because #1 I have emotion about it. This should be the goal of any photographer. To make the viewer feel something. And #2 I can't help thinking about how inappropriate the child in the photo is. It makes me want to ask the parents questions and maybe smack them in the head. I was totally drawn into this one for amazing aesthetics and a magnetism, while it may be totally negative, is still the goal of any photographer. Amazing photo...Sort of... Andrew

...I have seen a documantary about that guy. Beautiful pics. What a brave thing from you to join there. But, now you have a lifetime memory. Plus your butt in art magazine. ;oD T h a n k you for sharing. .n

Andrew - I can imagine people having mixed feelings about that. Btw, there weren't any children allowed to join...minimum age was 18. I don't know if they just made an exception for mothers with a baby (not many, but I remember seeing 2 young moms). Maybe getting you to focus on the child was his intention...shame I can't remember Tunick saying anything about that. Antoonio - my butt in art magazine.....well, let's hope not literally ;)

BUT Apfrey- You haveno idea how the parents of this child has raised it (her or him ). I'm not nescessarilly trying to defend the parents but your amazement stems from the asumption that the child was unused to nudity and therefore tricked or has no choice to participate. Children often have no "problem" with nudity. Think about how many children take off their diapers because they feel uncomfortable. In fact children are forced and trained to wear clothes. If the child is a participant I would assume they were asked and didn't mind participating. Children can be quite noisy if they don't want to do something and the boy did not appear to be restrained in the photo. Also I'm sure any photographer much less an experienced one would continue with a unwilling subject. Additionally the rest of the participants would most likely have said something to the parents. If their child was making a fuss. Finally I'm sure some comment by Rork that this child was forced to participate would appear in the writeup. There are different types of parents. My guess is that a parent which takes a child to such a photoshoot is comfortable with nudity and has trained their children to be comfortable like wise. Whew. Sorry about writing a novel. Bsteph

Attached Link: http://dossiers.track.nl/bndestem/cgi-bin/imageFolio.cgi?direct=Spencer_Tunick

Hehe :) Bsteph, I didn't exactly mean to agree with Apfrey, but I only meant that there was a restriction on the minimum age....I'm sure there are good reasons to do that. Not that I'd mind or something like that....in fact, I think it would be a beautiful idea to be on a photo with your little kid, as some kind of legacy (I hope I'm using the right word here :) I'd be very proud if my mother would have done that with me, for sure. The strange thing is, when you're with so many people, the idea you have of a naked body kind of completely loses it's relation to any idea about sex(uality). It's just a lot of human beings, long short fat thin black white....everyone's the same. That's what was so special, and that was something I didn't expect to experience at all :) btw, more photos at the newspaper's site (check the link), in case anyone's interested.

These are really neat Rork. There doesnt seem to be anything sexual about these pictures at all, only a natural element of nudity. This was very artistically done. Thanks for sharing.

Bsteph- There is no doubt in my mind that the child in the photo is used to nudity. When I refer to being uncomfortable, I'm refering to the child's life that lies ahead. This child could easily suffer social dysfunctions when it realizes that all his buddies at school have never seen or heard of such a thing. And remember, this is an unbelievable photo. Though I do not like what it documents, it is a photo that speaks volumes to the viewer. I give the photographer an A+++ and the parents an F---. Andrew

I'm sure the child will turn out fine. Probably the parents will teach that nudity is not the norm. He probably realizes it already. Think of clothes as shoes. Children don't like them. ( I know I didn't. ) Eventually one learns to get used to them. If he ceeps a tight lip his friends will never learn about the bodies under the house. OPPS. Nudity and pictures! On the positive side. This child will probably be far more comfortable with their body. Which in this world is a good thing. Also they will function far better their first day in the sac. so to apeak. =;-) > Bsteph

Andrew, I agree with Bsteph, I'm sure the child will be fine. I don't know for sure what you mean by the comment that "the child is being used to/for nudity" In what way? This is not pornography! I have seen children grow into young adults with very disturbed views on the human body...ever heard of anorexia? I would say that this child may simply grow with a better acceptance of the human body in all its diffrent shapes and sizes! Look at the photo...does the child seem frightened, disturbed or anxious? Is the child crying? The child looks quite peaceful to me. I get disturbed by the fact I can't have the evening news on when my (nearly)4 year old daughter is in the room because of fear she may be traumatised by some of the REALLY BAD things happening in the world. I am disturbed by that fact that in supposedly 'civilised' parts of the world young children have to be checked for GUNS & KNIVES before entering school. I get disturbed by a lot of things, but not by these photos, or how you or I perceive this young child is being brought up...you have no idea how that child's parents are bringing them up...so i think you should perhaps not judge them on the basis of one photo. BTW, With all due respects Andrew, I know you mean well and are obviously a good man to be so concerned by the child's welfare...but, you feel you "maybe want to smack the parents in the head?" well, there's nothing like a bit of good old fashioned VIOLENCE to cure "wrong thinking" is there?

Ouch! I didn't say this was pornography. First of all, I stated this was just my opinion. Second, I needed to tell you how the photo made me feel in order to communicate the power of the image. I had to stress that the emotions this photo brings about is what makes it such an amazing piece of art. Hopefully that clears things up a bit. Whether the viewer is emotionally drawn in by a negative or a positive vibe, if it holds their interest, the piece is successful. Does that make sense? Andrew

It does Andrew, and I hope you took no offense from my comments, after all they are only one man's opinion as well, but as you had brought up the issues concerning the parents, I (of course) had to open my big mouth too! Thanks for listening to my opinion, and thanks to Rork for starting another excellent thread of stimulating discussion! Peace and respect to all! :-)>

Hey don't thank me, I'm just the guy who reproduces what he sees ;)

Wow....what an experience! I would never have the courage...these photos are incredible...I've heard of him before and have seen some of his work done in NY.

Oh, ofcourse you have! Especially if nobody's watching, and everybody everybody else does it.....it's almost like you'd feel an idiot not to participate ;) And it's not something I'm used to doing either, in case anyone gets that idea, hehe =)

Thank you for posting these and your narrative. Thoroughly enjoyed it. I'm wondering if, in The Netherlands, nudity is fairly accepted in the right circumstances (like the beach, for instance)? My Swiss friends had a difficult time understanding why anyone objected to under 4 yr.olds without clothing on their own deck. They seem fairly comfortable with nudity--totally non-sexual, as you say. What an incredible experience. Diane/picnic

I mentioned this to a couple of people at work. they all thought the experience and picture was real good. One also offered this opinion. In Amsterdam something like this is more acceptible. A person who is raised with prevalent nudity esperience is also more likely to be acceptible. However, APfrey I can understand your opinion. I once shared it more or less until I discovered a good friend of mine had been to a nudist colony a few times when they were younger. The person seemed fine to me. In fact at certain cituations they are more repressed than I am. Bsteph Bsteph

Rork, I have to admit I'm just a tiny bit envious.... not because I'm a voyeur (but the fact that I've mentioned the word will have you, the reader, now saying "you mentioned it......") but because I would LOVE to have been part of something like this, purely for the experience that you can now understand. In this little part of the world it never gets warm enough to disrobe much, and clothes are a trained restriction... As regarding everyone's comments on the child, even several of the daily papers here carry topless women every day - but our children still manage to grow up without seeing them parading down the streets.... unspoken, they know the difference, and one day like this is highly unlikely to alter them in a negative way.... well, that's what I think.... Superb pictures. Brilliant documentary. Thank you again. (",)