Nudity: Hype or Art?

Okay, it happened earlier this year and we've already seen the first picture released by photographer Spencer Tunick. But the "oh my" factor means the local tv station had a reporter "bare it all" in search of a story and an experience.

You may or may not have heard of Spencer Tunick. He's assembled hundreds of people to take it off and pose in the altogether for pictures around the country. I believe he had some controversey in New York City about his preferred form of art. Well, earlier this year Cleveland welcomed the phographer and hundreds came down to the lakefront and took it off and posed for his art.

The most aggressive local station sent one of its' reporters to join in the fun. This being November Sweeps period, they showed her story last night. Because of the recent FCC problems -- you know, Janet Jackson's breast and Howard Stern and Saving Private Ryan -- they've milked this for all the sensationalism they can scrape up.

So, what do you think: hype? porn? or art?

http://www.19actionnews.com/global/Story.asp?s=2570341

've sen his work, and the only thing "purient" about it is the reporter's interest in joining in. Nudes have been works of art for centuries. If you don' t want a child to see them, don't take them to the exhibition. Of course, you might be depriving the child of some wonderful works of art, but I guess art finally rests in the eye of the beholder.

I didnt find it offensive or obscene... but then again I have never thought there was anything wrong with being naked.

I'm not really into his work... seemed kinda derivative but I cant put my finger on what it reminds me of. I think I read somewhere that the tone of his instalations is what inspired those "truth campaign" adds that are targeted at teens to prevent them from starting smoking.... in that they are both shocking and done on such a large scale. They also both juxtapose very organically human images and urban landscapes.

Idle, you need to design a yawning emoticon!

Actually, I think the yawn is the best response. Unless the photographer had managed closeups showing all the goosebumps (this was taken very early in the morning and the cold and dewy sidewalk probably made for a unique experience.)

And also the religious police haven't responded. That station did a story about ex-cons and druggies working in a boiler/phone room getting access to your financial information. (and that wasn't even a prison workplace). Also, they claim the local county recorder (just let off domestic abuse charges and recently reelected) is part of an FBI probe into a child pornography ring. HMM, with Monday devoted to nudity/art and Tuesday devoted to child porn, what will they have to cover for the rest of the sweeps? Okay, there is still prostitution and UFO's, etc., etc.