Thousands of people have stripped naked for a group topless photoshoot on an Australian beach to raise awareness about skin cancer.
American photographer Spencer Tunick saw a large group of swimsuit-less people on Sydney’s Bondi Beach through a loudspeaker on Saturday.
Known for his extensive nude photo shoots at world landmarks, Mr Tunick had attendees strike several poses on the beach before many went topless in the ocean.
The New York artist has teamed up with a charity to create a nude art installation aimed at raising awareness about melanoma, the fourth most common cancer in Australia.
More than 17,000 new cases of skin cancer will be diagnosed in Australia this year and more than 1,200 Australians will die from the disease, the federal government estimates.
On a crisp spring morning in Sydney, Mr Tunick said: “We have had the opportunity to raise awareness about skin checks and I am honored … to be here and create my art celebrating the body and conservation.”
About 2,500 people participated in the photo.
One participant, Robyn Lindner, said she overcame nervousness and stripped naked for the shoot.
“Last night I was secretly terrified (and) I have to admit I was thinking, ‘What did I do?’
“But it was great, everyone had a great vibe, everyone was very respectful and it felt really fun,” Ms Lindner told Reuters.
The last time Mr Tunick directed a mass shoot in Sydney was in 2010, when 5,200 Australians posed nude at the Sydney Opera House.