Thousands of people get naked for art on Sydney beach

Thousands of people stripped naked Saturday on Sydney’s iconic Bondi Beach for an art installation aimed at raising awareness of skin cancer and sun safety.

The famous surf spot became a nude beach by day, when around 2,500 volunteers stripped off their clothes at dawn and posed for photographer Spencer Tunick.

The American photographer’s strategically focused lenses sought to protect the ‘models’ privacy. Tunick gave instructions with a megaphone from an elevated platform.

The “Go Naked for Skin Cancer” arts event was held in collaboration with a charity that encourages Australians to get skin scans.

The number of volunteers represents the more than 2,000 Australians who die each year from skin cancer.

“I’ve spent half my life in the sun and some malignant melanomas have been removed from my back,” Bruce Fasher, a 77-year-old participant, told AFP.

“I thought it was a good cause and I love taking my clothes off on Bondi Beach,” he added.

Tunick is known for his artistic shots of nude crowds at landmarks across the world, including the Sydney Opera House in 2010.

“It’s only right that I use my platform to urge people to get regular checkups to prevent skin cancer,” Tunick said.