I really have to say that I was not really going to attend Spencer Tunick. His art is amazing, but when my friends told me about a 4 am call, I was like "Heck no."
But as fate would have it, on the last night of February, I didn't sleep. Yes, ladies and gents, it was another one of those great insomnia rallies that I get from time to time. At around 2:30 am, I decided, why not?
I logged into my computer, found the login website, downloaded the model release forms and got ready for the most surreal Monday ever.
Spencer who?
For those of you not in the know, Spencer Tunick is an artist who takes pictures of famous landmarks filled with naked people. Yup, that's right... the guy who did this (link NSFW) and this (again, NSFW). Now his art at times tends to offend people who are affected by naked skin, but he is famous in the art world for pushing boundaries and I am personally a fan.
Now, when I got there, there were heaps of people queueing up to get their kit off. It took me an hour to get across five blocks that normally would take me 10 minutes. At first, I was fuming - I mean, this isn't the Philippines! What's going on???
When I got to the Opera House, it became quite clear. The turnout was massive! We are talking about more than 5,000 individuals cramming into the Sydney Opera House courtyard and spilling out into the Gardens. There were people everywhere and you could tell that people were pumped to be a part of this excellent installation.
I don't think the photo above accurately reflects the number of people there at such an ungodly hour - but this was taken in the gardens, and does not take into account the people in the courtyard or the ones still lining up near the bus stop - yes, we are talking about a *lot* of people here.
Sadly, the photo above was the only one I could take, because minutes after taking this, the announcer said that everyone in the garden group had to line up for the pic - which meant we were the first ones on the scene.
Which meant it was time to rock out with all our bits out. No slippers, no shirts, no headband, not even piercings (thank goodness I do not have any). We came out of the garden wearing nothing that we were not born with (I know this is an arguable point, but pfft).
When I first stepped out into the courtyard, I was greeted by the applause of the courtyard group (who had to wait for us, I guess) and the media. Yes, folks, the media were there with their megazoom lens (those things are evil) and the helicopters were buzzing overhead - yes, they too had their lenses on us.
At first, I came out with all the shame of Adam and Eve upon realising they were in fact naked. But after seeing everyone so comfortable with the skins they were born with, I decided to (ahem) let it all hang loose and just enjoy the feeling.
And it was an interesting feeling as well. There was a rush of knowing this is *tee*hee* inappropriate, but at the same time, it was liberating to have such freedom - to be yourself and not be wrapped in the glitzy things that advertising says we should have and should wear. To be in the presence of men and women who wanted to be a part of an art form that was bigger than themselves - well, it was humbling, unnerving and exciting at the same time.
Spencer himself was very gentle yet firm with what he wanted us to do. He was quite cautious with the look he was going for, and wanted everyone to have a good time. He apologised for taking so long to construct the shots, but did try to do it as fast as he can.
And this is where the bad part comes in: March 1 is the first day of autumn and boy, did we feel it. At one point, we were all facing the Opera House, and because I was near the base of the installation, I can pretty much see everyone from my vantage point. From the far end of the courtyard, I saw the wind picking up the hair of the ladies and a collective shiver came rushing through the crowd. It was like an invisible Mexican wave, except instead of flailing hands, you have groans and arghs and itssocold! And then he asked us all to lie down on the cold concrete floor, and we all started our nervous laughter until we realised Oh. He's not kidding.
But I have to admit: it was so worth it. It's very interesting seeing how an artist goes about his job, and he has a peculiar sense of humour to boot. At one point, he asked us to hug our partners & friends and when a wave of disbelief came over those of us who came stag, he said just grab someone and embrace them - cheek to cheek.
I was like, ummmm, uncomfortable.
But anyway, I did it... and yes, that was me in A Current Affair - bloody tabloid TV show. The only time I get to be aired on Australian TV and it is me, starkers, hugging some stranger while complaining about my own facial hair (and ACA termed my beard as itchy! HMPH! Excuse me! I do not itch! I tingle.)
Anyway, the only bad thing about the experience is that it was way too cold for it, and the parking station issue could have been better handled. I mean, one teller for around 3,000 cars. I'm sorry, but *duh* - Also, having not slept at all, I felt a bit lightheaded at one point and had to sit down while queueing for the teller. Didn't feel that good for the whole morning, really.
Having said that, from this experience, I can say that I have a better appreciation of my body now. You see all these guys in the street and they present themselves so well to the point that you feel like crap about yourself, and having spent my morning surround by some of Sydney's best bodies, I felt that I was alright. My body may not be the best prime beef in the market, but I wasn't too far off the mark. For once, I was ok with what I had - I know, how very Alanis.
Anyway, the Spencer Tunick experience - 4 and a half slices. Would do it again with a loved one and if it happened on a sunny day.
