Mardi Gras 2010: The Base
Spencer Tunick

1st March, 2010

It was an early start we left home at 2:00 a.m. and drove through driving rain to arrive at the Opera House in time for a 4:00am start.  When we joined the queue it already stretched from the Opera House Forecourt to the end of the Circular Quay Ferry terminal.  At precisely 4:00 am the queue started inching forward.  At the entry gate we presented our signed “model release” and were issued with a large plastic bag and a ticket for the Concert Hall.

Then we waited for the sunrise…….

It was then time to “get nude” and move into position for the first “set up” on the Opera House Stairs, everything was very organised with Spencer directing people to fill up spaces, move this way, look that way…. don’t look at me… don’t smile (it looks geeky).

We did several different “set ups”, the most disconcerting was lying on our back looking up at the sky with media helicopters hovering over our heads, it was cold enough without the wind from the rotors!!!

After the photos on the stairs were finished, those with tickets were asked move to the Concert Hall for an inside shoot.

We were really lucky our tickets were for the stage.  With Spencer directing, the stage turned into a human carpet with us all laying head to toe.  What an incredible experience laying centre stage with a full house… every seat filled with a naked person.

Several “set ups” later we were free to go.

The photo shoot was commissioned by the Gay Mardi Gras and took over two years to organize and attracted more than 5200 people prepared to “get nude”. 

We are amazed at the diversity of people attending, we chatted to people of all sexual orientations from all walks of life… students, teachers, the unemployed and professional people.  The overriding feeling was of friendship and acceptance of one another without prejudgment, it’s an experience that Muzz and I will never forget.

Beth Styles

ANF Supporter Club Administrator