Dots the Clown Costume
In a bizarre (and chilly) photo shoot on March 1, 2010, over 5,000 Aussies crowded on the steps of the Sydney Opera House. The bizarre part? They were nude. Personally, I think they should have all been dressed in clown costumes, but I wasn’t asked now, was I?
Shot by American photographer Stephen Tunick, many of the people actually signed up for the opportunity. Which begs the question why? It’s not like they would be distinguishable in a crowd of that size. And somehow being naked with thousands of other people in the early hours of the morning seems a little too close for comfort.
What made the photographer go with nudes? We’ve all heard of photographs being staged and the idea of a large group of models being similarly garbed is interesting. Imagine 5,000 people in clown costumes or dressed as fairies. Now that would be interesting.
The idea of thousands of nudes is fascinating in its own right. The source does not state that the models had to apply; only that almost half of those who stripped down submitted an intention to do so. So we’re not talking about 5,200 bathing beauties. The various people represented would be a study on the human body, not to mention a gigantic statement about body image, community and modesty.
But really, despite the chance to be involved in a bizarre, but intriguing art project, this must have been uncomfortable. The temperature was around 68 degrees, which can easily give goose bumps in embarrassing places. Breezes came in from the nearby Harbor, but at least it was foggy, which may have provided a smidgen of modesty.
Something tells me that modesty wasn’t top on the models’ minds though. And why not? You only live once and big, dramatic events such as this are moments to remember. It’s an interesting place to meet people.
“Hi, what brings you here?”
“Um, the chance to strip down, freeze my tush off and get on film.”
“You sound like my type of girl/guy/whatever. What do you say we get a cup of coffee after the shoot?”
And so on. Now if it was a crowd of 5,000 clowns or fairies, you might not get the same smooth, suave opening. You would however, avoid any embarrassing brushes with a passing breeze while introducing yourself.
Christmas 
