Thousands strip naked to go blue in the name of art

No, this isn’t a Smurf convention, it’s a sea of naked people painted blue in the name of art!

The northern English city of Hull dyed itself blue on the weekend for world-renowned photographer Spencer Tunick’s latest art installation.

The US artist is known for his controversial work, which involves volunteers appearing naked in numbers for a photoshoot set in various locations around the world.

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The performance project titled ‘Sea of Hull’ was commissioned by the Ferens Art Gallery to mark Hull’s 'City of Culture' event in 2017.

Over 3000 volunteers from 20 countries posed nude for a series of photographs in front of Hull’s various landmarks, including the Scale Lane footbridge.

The subjects smothered themselves in four different shades of blue paint to represent the different colours of water and the final photos are truly something!

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Visually impressive and slightly confrontational, the images depict thousands of nude blue people all out in the open for the world to see, and appreciate.

One participant, 80-year-old Stephane Janssen from Brussels, said the project reflected equality. “Everybody is equal – no race nor sex difference – everybody is the same, naked...and that’s what I love,” he said.

The turnout was such a success that the art installation has been dubbed the biggest ever held in the UK.

Tunick has taken photos in numerous destinations around the world, from Barcelona to London, Mexico City to Munich.

Some might even remember Tunick's work in Sydney. In March 2010, thousands of naked bodies from all sorts gathered at the famous Opera House steps for another of Tunick’s installations titled, ‘The Base.’

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