I know many of you are eagerly awaiting our report from Burning Man, but I am still working on the photos. However, this reminded me that I’m also overdue with reporting on an ambitious photo/digital art project by Angelo Musco, where I participated as one of the numerous models… but became a focal figure in the final art piece! You can read about this project in the Huffington Post article, or watch the video below to get the idea and the work behind it.
By the way, can you spot me?
I really like Angelo Musco’s works, which create intricate landscapes and shapes made of hundreds of human bodies. I have been following his art for a while, and was happy to finally be able to participate in his work as a model this June.
Looking at his previous works, I was wondering if I’d be even able to spot myself in this immense ‘Sanctuary’…
so I felt very honored when I found out that I got in the spotlight, being a landing spot for the butterfly, which, as mentioned in the video, symbolizes metamorphosis.
I hope that I’ll be able to see the actual printout at an exhibition – whether in New York, or any other city,
as I am sure that will be a much better way to fully appreciate this masterpiece than on a computer screen.
But it’ll be also fun to try to spot myself as a ‘brick’ in a wall or a part of a column of one of those towers…
And just a few words about the photoshoot: Even for a person like me, who is naked whenever possible and has participated in massive events involving social nudity, e.g. Philly Naked Bike Ride and NYC Body-Painting Day, this was a very special experience. The way we, models, had to act and interact with each other was quite unique and intimate – it was a bonding experience for all of us, although we mostly didn’t know each other at all. It was interesting to participate in something together while only guessing what the final product would look like, and feeling like becoming a part of something much, much bigger. And the result is quite amazing indeed!
PS It was also my first time naked in a church. (Yes, the NYC photoshoot took place in a church!)
It’s no surprise that body painting works best with naked people, and Andy Golub brings this art form to the next level by arranging massive body painting sessions in public spaces. While I thoroughly enjoyed those 
We first got painted at Dag Hammarskjold Plaza. It took 2-4 hours for some models to be finished, so it’s a pretty serious commitment for both models and artists. 
It turned out that 
And here are some more of my favorite photos: 
– reference to 
– Eve and the evil Serpent in one – probably my favorite work from this year! 
Lunch break wasn’t too long though, as we marched out towards the UN building. 
Some posing with police 🙂 
Even though it’s legal in New York to be naked for art performances, police gave Andy Golub hard time during his first public body art gigs, so he eventually got a special permit. Good to see police actually being supportive of an event like this! Maybe they won’t 
As we got to the UN, we were surrounded by a pretty big crowd – maybe some UN workers among them? 
Hopefully one day the freedom to be naked will be acknowledged as a fundamental human right – the right to be just the way you were born, and the way you are, uncovered. 
Well, for now, we need events like this to be able to take a nude photo by the UN building 🙂 
I tried to replicate DNA double helix shape with my body; 
handstands weren’t as meaningful, but when else would I get a chance to act like that by the UN? Too bad there probably was nobody to appreciate the view from those offices, as it was Sunday… I actually ride my bicycle on this bike lane a few times a week – this place will never be the same for me! 😀 
Then we all (models, artists and photographers) got on two double-decker buses and rode around Manhattan 
cheering and amusing passers-by – and also being cheered back. The first stop for a group shot was at Rockefeller Center (see the first photo in this post) 
followed by the NYC Public Library. 
Then we went down to Washington Square Park,
where we started dancing to the music of street musicians, so our appearance was more like a fun flashmob. 
During those stops we also had an opportunity to talk to people, as many were wondering about the cause. I don’t recall any negative reaction, which once again shows that by far majority of people, once confronted with nudity, don’t actually see it in a way that you might expect judging by our legislation – our bodies are nothing to be ashamed of and on contrary are works of art!
Active Naturists 