US artist Spencer Tunick shoots mass nude photo on Story Bridge

Thousands have stripped naked and converged on a famous bridge all for the sake of art.

Thousands of men and women have stripped naked on Brisbane’s iconic Story Bridge to take part in a dramatic art shoot.

New York artist Spencer Tunick orchestrated the remarkable sight, with thousands of bare-bottomed people strolling through Brisbane before posing on the bridge.

The event formed part of the Melt Festival, which celebrates queer and LGBT culture.

“New York-based contemporary artist Spencer Tunick is seeking volunteers for a monumental installation on his return to Brisbane in 2024 as part of the inaugural Melt, the city’s major new festival celebrating queer art and culture,” Melt’s website stated in preparation for the peculiar sight.

Nude men and women gather for New York artist Spencer Tunick’s Story Bridge work. Picture: NewsWire/ David Kapernick

The Story Bridge was closed on Sunday morning until 9am for the event. Picture: NewsWire/ David Kapernick

“The installation for Melt will take place across Brisbane’s iconic Story Bridge on Sunday 27 October 2024.

“The bridge will be closed for this art event which will feature thousands of live nude figures in celebration of diversity, equity, inclusion and Brisbane’s vibrant LGBTQIA+ community and allies.”

Photos from Sunday show the bridge packed to the brim with naked bodies.

In one shot, everyone crouches over on all fours, their heads turned into their chests.

In another, everyone lies flat on their backs, with their arms flat beside them.

The Story Bridge shot follows Mr Tunick’s mass nude photos at other iconic landmarks including Bondi Beach and the Sydney Opera House.

Thousands of naked people took over Brisbane's Story Bridge. Picture: NewsWire/ David Kapernick

The event for part of Brisbane’s Melt Festival. Picture: NewsWire/ David Kapernick

The Brisbane Powerhouse is hosting a Tunick exhibition called Tide, showcasing his long career in photographing mass nudes.

“In his early group works, the individuals en masse, without their clothing, grouped together, metamorphose into a new shape,” the exhibition website states.

“The bodies extend into and upon the landscape like a substance.

“These group masses, which do not underscore sexuality, often become abstractions that challenge or reconfigure one’s views of nudity and privacy.

“The work also refers to the complex issue of presenting art in permanent or temporary public spaces.”

The exhibition runs from September 28 to November 10.

Originally published as US artist Spencer Tunick shoots mass nude photo on Story Bridge