Hundreds of volunteers are to feature in a new artwork for The Lowry – with nothing to protect their modesty.
The arts centre has commissioned photographer Spencer Tunick to mark its 10th anniversary with one of his famous nude mass gatherings.
He is appealing for 1,000 people to strip off and be photographed at eight landmark spots around Salford and Manchester. One location which is likely to be used is Manchester’s Albert Square, in front of the town hall. His images will then form the centrepiece of an exhibition at The Lowry later in the year titled Everyday People.
Earlier this month more than 5,000 Australians posed naked for Tunick for his latest project in Sydney. Thousands also stripped off for a similar artwork in Helsinki.
The New York artist says he was inspired by the works of LS Lowry, which also captured crowds of people in public places - albeit with their clothes on.
This time he will photograph the crowds on the move, rather than lying down or standing still, in a nod to Lowry's work. Tunick said: “Salford and Manchester presents an intriguing prospect for my latest UK installation based both on the rich industrial heritage that exists across both cities and the art of LS Lowry.
"His paintings depicting the mass of everyday people who contributed to the industrial machine of the 20th century, also provide an interesting frame of reference in terms of the compositional possibilities of the installations.”
The Lowry piece is being funded by the Arts Council. Volunteers will be driven to locations in a caravan for early morning picture shoots on May 1-2.Eight locations across the two cities will be used and the results will be shown at The Lowry in an exhibition from June 12 to September 26. Salford councillor John Warmisham welcomed the shoot.
He said: “I have seen Spencer Tunick's work in other cities and thought it was impressive. It is an innovative way to celebrate the Lowry's birthday. There are plenty of great locations for these pictures, including Salford Quays. I just hope on the mornings of the shoot there is not a chilly gale blowing.”
Kate Farrell, The Lowry’s Curator of Special Exhibitions said: “This is a one-off chance to feature in an international artwork and to become part of a global network of Tunick participants.”
Michael Simpson, The Lowry’s head of Visual Arts & Engagement said: “Tunick’s work not only reflects and records the landscape of an area but also its people. This exhibition celebrates our achievements and signals our continuing ambition.”
≈ Volunteers can register their interest in taking part in the Spencer Tunick installation at www.thelowry.com/tunick
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TheRealWorld (08/03/2010 at 10:17)
I'm looking for a dozen female volunteers to stand naked in my bedroom, in the name of art of course!
Tezza, Tyldesley (08/03/2010 at 10:41)
but dont worry i'l be there
Leon Trotsky (08/03/2010 at 10:49)
tiggerluc, somewhere in shaw (08/03/2010 at 11:03)
ChrisG (08/03/2010 at 11:15)
Be very careful not to get your collar felt, Spencer Tunick. You're in daft Britain now.
lizard (08/03/2010 at 11:18)
Anne Coates, Jersey Street (08/03/2010 at 11:25)
Ned Snell (08/03/2010 at 11:31)
Judge Dredd, Manchester (08/03/2010 at 12:16)
Donnie Tobasco, Rochdale (08/03/2010 at 12:18)
In the interests of art of course. I'll try and stand away from the "doggers"
Splat!, Utopia (08/03/2010 at 12:43)
davmac, manchester (08/03/2010 at 13:10)
Black Flag (08/03/2010 at 13:21)
Why shouldn't they?
Voter (08/03/2010 at 14:00)
AngryMcNasty, Manchester (08/03/2010 at 15:24)
Idroid, city centre (08/03/2010 at 15:42)
At least he seems to be evolving the idea though, which is why I've just applied.
The Ant Hill Mob , In the Bulletproof Bomb 7 (the Roaring Plenty) (08/03/2010 at 15:52)
citycentre, manchester (08/03/2010 at 15:54)
"volunteer " being the key word
Is It Me? (08/03/2010 at 17:20)
Ledbury Lad (08/03/2010 at 17:37)
umpire 2, Salford M7 4HT (08/03/2010 at 17:52)
Honestly though, I bet not all of them come from the Manchester/Salford Area, unless they get paid, they will not be interested.....
Stevedore, Quayside (08/03/2010 at 18:15)
Are you sure that you are not Black Flags alter ego, he's also obsessed by perversion and paedophilia. Wasn't something similar done outside the Sydney opera house in Australia a few weeks and which was lauded around the world as being a great success. Other than the weather factor, why shouldn't it also be a success in Manchester/Salford?
Black Flag (08/03/2010 at 18:31)
More than a slight misinterpretation there.
If I'm obsessed with anything, it is the fact that some people seem to think they have a right to violate other people's bodily privacy against their will. If people want to get naked, I say good look to them, in the same way that I oppose rape, but I have no objection to consensual sex. Surely you can understand that?
Knowall, stretford end (08/03/2010 at 20:16)
I would sign up but out of the country that weekend, sunning my naked body elsewhere, warts 'n all
David Altheer (08/03/2010 at 22:22)
I am still mentally snacking on the wonderful two performances I experienced at the Lowry. With my wife I travelled by train from London, lured by good reviews of Opera North's productions of La Bohème and Così Fan Tutte. We were not disappointed: the direction, staging, singing and orchestra were outstanding. The Lowry Theatre was magnificent and is now one of our favourite concert venues in the world.
We based ourselves in an efficient Alan Partridge-style hotel in Salford and had a rewarding time walking your city, sometimes along the River Irwell and the canals, delighting in the culture of Manchester. Our southerner's view of the North was irrevocably altered.
One aspect was unpleasantly familiar. Our four days with you obviously cost us a fair amount of money. So isn't it odd how one thing can leave a sour taste: the Lowry's charging a booking fee on each of the four tickets, even though the transaction was done during one phone call? Now that sort of stunt seems very London.