Brave souls bare all in the name of art

Nina 09-21-2003

About 40 men and women, from the perky to the age-ravaged, went nude for a naked picture shoot organised by a national radio station.

Thousands of onlookers cheered and shrieked as the naked punters formed up to be photographed in the shape of a penis for National Penis Day.

Even a streaker briefly turned out to add an ironic touch to the entertainment.

Despite a handful of public complaints to the city council and police before to the event, it went off without a hitch. Police made no arrests related to the event.

For Puppetry of the Penis performer Aaron Bloomfield, the naked shoot was just another day at the office.

"I just happened to be in town, and it was National Penis Day, so I had to take part," Mr Bloomfield said.

Events like this were important to draw men's attention to the health of their "equipment", he said.

Crystal Byrne, 19, said she was prompted to take part by a stranger at the event.

"I thought you only live once. It's something to tell the grand-kids," she said.

"It was much easier than I thought. The hardest part was crouching for so long and your feet going dead."

School teacher Bridie Gray, 21, said the event was a chance to add some spice to her life.

"I've been feeling a bit boring lately. I thought I would come out and display myself to the whole of Christchurch," Ms Gray said.

"I had a lot of fun. It was a lot easier when everyone else started getting naked. You just went for it."

BunnyTroublez

i was wondering would anyone in here pose naked for art or better yet public art.

Sugarlipz

I think I would. It would be fun! I think, my only fear would be that people would make fun of me or say mean things, that I'm ugly.

Hsoolien

Only blind people would saythat you are ugly.. , or make fun of you