Nudes kick a goal for charity with many behinds

By Kenneth Nguyen
December 4, 2005

http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2005/12/03/1133422148170.html


Volunteers pose nude on the grassy knoll to Federation Square.
Photo: Rebecca Hallas



TRUTH be told, this whole exercise would probably have been rather more comfortable if it had been carried out two days earlier, when the temperatures climbed into the balmy 30s.

But neither inhospitable clouds nor mid-teen temperatures were enough to stop Kew teacher Robert McKay and his brave group of subjects from proceeding with their annual nude photographic project along the Yarra at the city park of Birrarung Mar yesterday.

About 80 Melburnians shed their clothes for the photos, organised by Mr McKay and inspired by the work of artist Spencer Tunick. This was, it should be said, a rather more sparse turnout than that usually seen at a Tunick shoot.

"I would have liked a few more there, but I think the rain put a few people off," Mr McKay said.

"(Birrarung Mar) is a bit open to the elements, but just the look of the shots with the background of the skyscrapers will be interesting to see."

The photos are intended for publication in a 2006 calendar, with proceeds to be directed towards Anti-Slavery International and Friends of Maiti Nepal, which supports the rescue and rehabilitation of Nepalese girls trafficked to work in the child sex industry.

The calendars can be ordered at birthsuitshoot.com.