Nude twist on Opera House

OVER 5,000 naked people braved a chilly morning to join a mass photo shoot at Sydney’s Opera House yesterday, putting a nude twist on the Australian landmark.

People of all ages, shapes and sizes assembled on the shell-shaped building’s steps before dawn for renowned American artist Spencer Tunick, who photographed them with hands raised, lying down and embracing. The event, titled The Base, drew double the expected turnout and was timed to coincide with Sydney’s annual Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade on Saturday.

“Gay men and women lay naked next to their straight neighbours and this delivered a very strong message to the world that Australians embrace a free and equal society,” said Tunick who is well known for his mass-nude art installations.