Nude on Bondi beach

Date: 26 November 2022
Location: Bondi Beach, NSW, Australia
Event: Spencer Tunick Photography Event
Reason: Promote Skin Check Awareness and Skin Cancer Prevention
Website: www.sofsc.com.au/vincent-marty

Taking part in the internationally acclaimed Spencer Tunick live artwork on Bondi Beach was a truly unforgettable experience. Meeting more than 2,500 fellow nude participants on Australia’s most famous beach, in front of cameras and thousands of curious onlookers, was a once-in-a-lifetime event that left a lasting impression.

At 3 am, the atmosphere was warm and buzzing with anticipation. However, by 4 am, the clouds rolled in, bringing rain and a brisk, chilling wind that swept across the beach. Despite the sudden shift in weather, the energy of the crowd didn’t waver. There was a collective sense of excitement and unity as we all bravely faced the elements and followed Spencer Tunick’s precise directions. Whether standing tall with our arms raised or lying down on the wet sand, we became part of a living, breathing piece of art. One particularly thrilling moment came when we waded into the sea, the waves crashing onto the shore, catching hundreds of us off guard as they surged over the crowd, adding a dynamic element to the scene.

In the moments before we all stripped off, there was a palpable mix of emotions in the air. For many, including myself, the anticipation was exhilarating, but for others, it was clear from their body language that stepping into such vulnerability was a daunting prospect. Yet, it was the camaraderie of the group, the sense of togetherness, that helped ease everyone into the experience. When the moment came to finally disrobe, what stood out was the courage and resilience of every participant. It wasn’t just about being naked—it was about being part of something larger, contributing to a cause and creating something truly unique.

The experience of standing nude on one of the most prestigious beaches in the world was surreal. The sandy shore of Bondi has always been a place of beauty and vibrancy, but this time, it became something more—a canvas for Spencer Tunick’s art and a platform for promoting a critical cause: raising awareness about skin checks and the devastating impact of skin cancer in Australia.

While the event was awe-inspiring, I do have one regret. Unfortunately, we weren’t allowed to take our own photos, a rule that was strictly enforced by the event’s security team. Although I did manage to snap a quick shot before being asked to dress and move along, I was left wanting more personal souvenirs of the day. Thankfully, Spencer’s own stunning photographs, along with media coverage from journalists, provided a rich archive of the event, and I was even able to spot myself in a few shots, forever immortalised in this remarkable artwork.

Aside from the artistic aspect, the event had a deeper significance. It was tied to an important cause—promoting skin check awareness and raising funds for skin cancer prevention. All participants were encouraged to register online and raise funds either individually or as part of a group, with proceeds directly supporting a skin check program. In a country like Australia, where skin cancer takes a heavy toll every year, this cause couldn’t be more vital. Knowing that we were helping to spread awareness through our participation made the experience even more rewarding.

The media attention surrounding the event was enormous, with coverage from local, national, and international outlets. It’s reassuring to know that, through our willingness to bare ourselves to the world, we contributed to a conversation that could potentially save lives by encouraging more people to get regular skin checks.

I’m already looking forward to Spencer Tunick’s next visit, with rumours swirling of an outback photography event in a couple of years. The prospect of being part of another one of his iconic works in such a unique landscape is thrilling, and I would highly recommend anyone considering it to take the leap and participate.

Being part of Spencer Tunick’s artwork wasn’t just about standing naked in front of cameras; it was about becoming a piece of photography history, contributing to art with a purpose. It was exhilarating, humbling, and meaningful—and I’m proud to have been a part of it.

If you ever get the chance, I wholeheartedly recommend getting involved. After all, how often do you get to be part of something this extraordinary?