Nude people lay down as they gather on the steps of the Sydney Opera House while they pose for a photo by Spencer Tunick of the U.S. , Monday, March 1, 2010. 5,200 people stripped off for the commissioned photo that is titled "Mardis Gras: The Base." (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft)
SYDNEY -- About 5,200 naked people embraced each other on the steps of Sydney's iconic Opera House on Monday for a photo shoot by Spencer Tunick.
Tunick, who is known for his nude group photos in public spaces, posed participants for more than an hour in a variety of positions.
"It was difficult to get the straight participants to embrace the gay participants and vice versa," Tunick said. "So I was very happy that that last set up finally got done and everyone came together (in a) united, friendly kiss, a loving kiss in front of this great structure."
Nineteen-year-old student Art Rush said he was thrilled to participate.
"I'll never get a chance to do this again; it's not worth being inhibited," Rush said. "It doesn't feel sexual, it just feels tribal, a gathering of humanity."
Tunick has made a name for himself with his works featuring hundreds of naked people at unusual venues.
Tunick, who is shy and adheres to mostly black dress, prefers to be called an artist, not a photographer and refers to his work as installations.
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Note from Rebecca:I am not sure about you all, but I just cannot imagine being naked in front of this many people-- strangers at that! And then just think of all the bare butts and cooties of all those people! Gross! How big was the pile of clothes that these people shed? Imagine the pile of clothes that 5,200 people would cause. People do the weirdest things... and just for a picture.. and it's not like you can say, "Look mom, that's me right there!"
