Brisbane locals called on to ‘bare it all’ on Story Bridge in name of art

As the countdown to one of Brisbane’s most audacious art installations begins, Spencer Tunick is rallying locals for a unique opportunity to join his next masterpiece.

Acclaimed New York-based photographer Spencer Tunick is extending an open invitation to the people of Brisbane bare it all and participate in a groundbreaking nude photography installation.

The city’s famed landmark, the Story Bridge, will transform on October 27 from a bustling thoroughfare into a stage for artistic expression, replacing traffic with a sea of naked models.

Spencer Tunick photographed around 150 people on November 18, 2023 for his first Brisbane project titled 'TIDE' along the banks of the Brisbane River.

Known globally for his large-scale photographic compositions that blend human nudity with urban environments, Tunick has begun registration for the event, which forms a key part of the inaugural Melt Open festival.

“See that bridge in the distance? We’re going to try to fill it up in five months,” Tunick teased in an Instagram post on Monday, alongside a video from his last work in Brisbane.

This project serves as a sequel to his 2023 work titled ‘TIDE,’ and aims to attract thousands of volunteers ready to celebrate art, expression, and the human form.

Sydney-siders strip bare naked at Bondi Beach for a Spencer Tunick photograph to raise awareness on the importance of early detection for skin cancer. Picture: Jeremy Piper

The Melt Open festival, building on the success of the Brisbane Powerhouse’s Melt Festival, will feature an extensive line-up of cultural events that highlight the LGBTQIA+ community and broader themes of diversity and acceptance.

“This challenging work on the Story Bridge marks the second in my two-part series in Brisbane scheduled one year apart, in 2023 then 2024,” Tunick said.

“It is the first time I have ever worked on installations with the same institution for an extended two-year project. This will allow me to deeply explore the city, its light, environment and its people.

“The series will hopefully speak to diverse groups of people, and everyone navigating their way through the difficult challenges of our current world. It is a privilege to be making art that centres around the LGBTQIA+ community with all its beauty and vibrance.”

Members of the public pose at Bondi Beach for US artist and photographer Spencer Tunick. Photo: Don Arnold.

Tunick’s previous large-scale installations in Melbourne and Sydney have set high expectations for his latest endeavour in Brisbane.

Participants who join this landmark event will not only contribute to a once-in-a-lifetime artistic endeavour but will also receive a print of the final artwork.