Culture & ArtsPhotographyArtNude

Thousands Of Naked Blue People Flood City Streets For Dramatic Photoshoot

The project, "Sea of Hull," is the latest work by photographer Spencer Tunick.
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By 

Deputy Editor, Trends, HuffPost

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Naked volunteers, painted in blue to reflect the colors found in Marine paintings in Hull's Ferens Art Gallery, participating in artist Spencer Tunick's "Sea of Hull" installation on the Scale Lane swing bridge in Hull on Saturday.
JON SUPER via Getty Images

More than 3,000 volunteers stripped totally naked and painted themselves blue Saturday morning for a massive photoshoot in the city of Hull in Yorkshire, England.

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The aim of the project is to celebrate Hull’s relationship with the sea, as well as serve as a warning about climate change.
Andrew Yates / Reuters

The project, called “Sea of Hull,” was the creation of New York-based photographer Spencer Tunick. The mass of bodies was meant to celebrate Hull’s relationship with the sea, as well as serve as a warning about climate change, the artist told the Guardian.

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Naked volunteers have their bodies painted in blue to reflect the colors found in Marine paintings in Hull's Ferens Art Gallery.
JON SUPER via Getty Images

“It’s the idea that the bodies and humanity is flooding the streets,” he said. “So there are many ways you can think about it.”

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Some models opted to cover up on their way home from the shoot.
Andrew Yates / Reuters

The northern English city’s Ferens Art Gallery commissioned the project.

Tunick is known for his large-scale photoshoots involving crowds of nude people around the world. He recently called for 100 women to pose naked at the Republican National Convention in Cleveland on July 17.

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Before You Go

Sea of Hull
(01 of22)
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Naked volunteers, painted in blue to reflect the colours found in Marine paintings in Hull's Ferens Art Gallery, prepare to participate in US artist, Spencer Tunick's 'Sea of Hull' installation on the Scale Lane swing bridge in Kingston upon Hull on July 9, 2016.Over a period of 20 years, the New York based artist has created over 90 art installations in some of the most culturally significant places and landmarks around the world including the Sydney Opera House, Place des Arts in Montreal, Mexico City, Ernest Happel Stadium in Vienna and Munich in Germany. / AFP / JON SUPER / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - MANDATORY MENTION OF THE ARTIST UPON PUBLICATION - TO ILLUSTRATE THE EVENT AS SPECIFIED IN THE CAPTION - NO CLOSE UP SHOTS TO BE REPRODUCED OF INDIVIDUALS INVOLVED IN THE INSTALLATION (Photo credit should read JON SUPER/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:JON SUPER via Getty Images)
(02 of22)
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Naked volunteers, painted in blue to reflect the colours found in Marine paintings in Hull's Ferens Art Gallery, participate in US artist, Spencer Tunick's 'Sea of Hull' installation on the Scale Lane swing bridge in Kingston upon Hull on July 9, 2016.Over a period of 20 years, the New York based artist has created over 90 art installations in some of the most culturally significant places and landmarks around the world including the Sydney Opera House, Place des Arts in Montreal, Mexico City, Ernest Happel Stadium in Vienna and Munich in Germany. / AFP / JON SUPER / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - MANDATORY MENTION OF THE ARTIST UPON PUBLICATION - TO ILLUSTRATE THE EVENT AS SPECIFIED IN THE CAPTION - NO CLOSE UP SHOTS TO BE REPRODUCED OF INDIVIDUALS INVOLVED IN THE INSTALLATION (Photo credit should read JON SUPER/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:JON SUPER via Getty Images)
(03 of22)
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A nude model makes his way home after posing for a photograph by U.S. artist Spencer Tunick, for a project titled "Sea of Hull" in Hull city centre, northern England, July 9, 2016. REUTERS/Andrew Yates (credit:Andrew Yates / Reuters)
(04 of22)
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US artist Spencer Tunick (L), shakes hands with 80 year old Belgian, Arizona-based art collector Stephane Janssen who has participated in 20 of Turnick's installations after around 3000 naked volunteers, painted in blue to reflect the colours found in Marine paintings in Hull's Ferens Art Gallery, participate in US artist, Spencer Tunick's 'Sea of Hull' installation in Kingston upon Hull on July 9, 2016.Over a period of 20 years, the New York based artist has created over 90 art installations in some of the most culturally significant places and landmarks around the world including the Sydney Opera House, Place des Arts in Montreal, Mexico City, Ernest Happel Stadium in Vienna and Munich in Germany. / AFP / JON SUPER / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - MANDATORY MENTION OF THE ARTIST UPON PUBLICATION - TO ILLUSTRATE THE EVENT AS SPECIFIED IN THE CAPTION - NO CLOSE UP SHOTS TO BE REPRODUCED OF INDIVIDUALS INVOLVED IN THE INSTALLATION (Photo credit should read JON SUPER/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:JON SUPER via Getty Images)
(05 of22)
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Naked volunteers, painted in blue to reflect the colours found in Marine paintings in Hull's Ferens Art Gallery, participate in US artist, Spencer Tunick's 'Sea of Hull' installation in Kingston upon Hull on July 9, 2016.Over a period of 20 years, the New York based artist has created over 90 art installations in some of the most culturally significant places and landmarks around the world including the Sydney Opera House, Place des Arts in Montreal, Mexico City, Ernest Happel Stadium in Vienna and Munich in Germany. / AFP / JON SUPER / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - MANDATORY MENTION OF THE ARTIST UPON PUBLICATION - TO ILLUSTRATE THE EVENT AS SPECIFIED IN THE CAPTION - NO CLOSE UP SHOTS TO BE REPRODUCED OF INDIVIDUALS INVOLVED IN THE INSTALLATION (Photo credit should read JON SUPER/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:JON SUPER via Getty Images)
(06 of22)
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Naked volunteers, painted in blue to reflect the colours found in Marine paintings in Hull's Ferens Art Gallery, prepare to participate in US artist, Spencer Tunick's 'Sea of Hull' installation on the Scale Lane swing bridge in Kingston upon Hull on July 9, 2016.Over a period of 20 years, the New York based artist has created over 90 art installations in some of the most culturally significant places and landmarks around the world including the Sydney Opera House, Place des Arts in Montreal, Mexico City, Ernest Happel Stadium in Vienna and Munich in Germany. / AFP / JON SUPER / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - MANDATORY MENTION OF THE ARTIST UPON PUBLICATION - TO ILLUSTRATE THE EVENT AS SPECIFIED IN THE CAPTION - NO CLOSE UP SHOTS TO BE REPRODUCED OF INDIVIDUALS INVOLVED IN THE INSTALLATION (Photo credit should read JON SUPER/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:JON SUPER via Getty Images)
(07 of22)
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Naked volunteers, painted in blue to reflect the colours found in Marine paintings in Hull's Ferens Art Gallery, participate in US artist, Spencer Tunick's 'Sea of Hull' installation in Kingston upon Hull on July 9, 2016.Over a period of 20 years, the New York based artist has created over 90 art installations in some of the most culturally significant places and landmarks around the world including the Sydney Opera House, Place des Arts in Montreal, Mexico City, Ernest Happel Stadium in Vienna and Munich in Germany. / AFP / JON SUPER / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - MANDATORY MENTION OF THE ARTIST UPON PUBLICATION - TO ILLUSTRATE THE EVENT AS SPECIFIED IN THE CAPTION - NO CLOSE UP SHOTS TO BE REPRODUCED OF INDIVIDUALS INVOLVED IN THE INSTALLATION (Photo credit should read JON SUPER/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:JON SUPER via Getty Images)
(08 of22)
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Naked volunteers, painted in blue to reflect the colours found in Marine paintings in Hull's Ferens Art Gallery, prepare to participate in US artist, Spencer Tunick's 'Sea of Hull' installation on the Scale Lane swing bridge in Kingston upon Hull on July 9, 2016.Over a period of 20 years, the New York based artist has created over 90 art installations in some of the most culturally significant places and landmarks around the world including the Sydney Opera House, Place des Arts in Montreal, Mexico City, Ernest Happel Stadium in Vienna and Munich in Germany. / AFP / JON SUPER / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - MANDATORY MENTION OF THE ARTIST UPON PUBLICATION - TO ILLUSTRATE THE EVENT AS SPECIFIED IN THE CAPTION - NO CLOSE UP SHOTS TO BE REPRODUCED OF INDIVIDUALS INVOLVED IN THE INSTALLATION (Photo credit should read JON SUPER/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:JON SUPER via Getty Images)
(09 of22)
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Nude models prepare to pose for a photograph by U.S. artist Spencer Tunick, for a project titled "Sea of Hull" in Hull city centre, northern England, July 9, 2016. REUTERS/Andrew Yates TEMPLATE OUT (credit:Andrew Yates / Reuters)
(10 of22)
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Naked volunteers, painted in blue to reflect the colours found in Marine paintings in Hull's Ferens Art Gallery, participate in US artist, Spencer Tunick's 'Sea of Hull' installation in Kingston upon Hull on July 9, 2016.Over a period of 20 years, the New York based artist has created over 90 art installations in some of the most culturally significant places and landmarks around the world including the Sydney Opera House, Place des Arts in Montreal, Mexico City, Ernest Happel Stadium in Vienna and Munich in Germany. / AFP / JON SUPER / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - MANDATORY MENTION OF THE ARTIST UPON PUBLICATION - TO ILLUSTRATE THE EVENT AS SPECIFIED IN THE CAPTION - NO CLOSE UP SHOTS TO BE REPRODUCED OF INDIVIDUALS INVOLVED IN THE INSTALLATION (Photo credit should read JON SUPER/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:JON SUPER via Getty Images)
(11 of22)
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A nude model makes his way home after posing for a photograph by U.S. artist Spencer Tunick, for a project titled "Sea of Hull" in Hull city centre, northern England, July 9, 2016. REUTERS/Andrew Yates (credit:Andrew Yates / Reuters)
(12 of22)
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Stephane Janssen, an 80-year-old nude model who posed for a photograph by U.S. artist Spencer Tunick for a project titled "Sea of Hull", is pictured in Hull city centre, northern England, July 9, 2016. REUTERS/Andrew Yates (credit:Andrew Yates / Reuters)
(13 of22)
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Nude models make their way home after posing for a photograph by U.S. artist Spencer Tunick, for a project titled "Sea of Hull" in Hull city centre, northern England, July 9, 2016. REUTERS/Andrew Yates (credit:Andrew Yates / Reuters)
(14 of22)
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Naked volunteers, painted in blue to reflect the colours found in Marine paintings in Hull's Ferens Art Gallery, are seen participating in US artist, Spencer Tunick's 'Sea of Hull' installation on the Scale Lane swing bridge in Kingston upon Hull on July 9, 2016.Over a period of 20 years, the New York based artist has created over 90 art installations in some of the most culturally significant places and landmarks around the world including the Sydney Opera House, Place des Arts in Montreal, Mexico City, Ernest Happel Stadium in Vienna and Munich in Germany. / AFP / JON SUPER / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - MANDATORY MENTION OF THE ARTIST UPON PUBLICATION - TO ILLUSTRATE THE EVENT AS SPECIFIED IN THE CAPTION - NO CLOSE UP SHOTS TO BE REPRODUCED OF INDIVIDUALS INVOLVED IN THE INSTALLATION (Photo credit should read JON SUPER/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:JON SUPER via Getty Images)
(15 of22)
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Naked volunteers, painted in blue to reflect the colours found in Marine paintings in Hull's Ferens Art Gallery, participate in US artist, Spencer Tunick's 'Sea of Hull' installation in Queen's Gardens in Kingston upon Hull on July 9, 2016.Over a period of 20 years, the New York based artist has created over 90 art installations in some of the most culturally significant places and landmarks around the world including the Sydney Opera House, Place des Arts in Montreal, Mexico City, Ernest Happel Stadium in Vienna and Munich in Germany. / AFP / JON SUPER / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - MANDATORY MENTION OF THE ARTIST UPON PUBLICATION - TO ILLUSTRATE THE EVENT AS SPECIFIED IN THE CAPTION - NO CLOSE UP SHOTS TO BE REPRODUCED OF INDIVIDUALS INVOLVED IN THE INSTALLATION (Photo credit should read JON SUPER/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:JON SUPER via Getty Images)
(16 of22)
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A nude model makes her way home after posing for a photograph by U.S. artist Spencer Tunick, for a project titled "Sea of Hull" in Hull city centre, northern England, July 9, 2016. REUTERS/Andrew Yates (credit:Andrew Yates / Reuters)
(17 of22)
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Nude models prepare to pose for a photograph by U.S. artist Spencer Tunick, for a project titled "Sea of Hull" in Hull city centre, northern England, July 9, 2016. REUTERS/Andrew Yates TEMPLATE OUT (credit:Andrew Yates / Reuters)
(18 of22)
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Naked volunteers, painted in blue to reflect the colours found in Marine paintings in Hull's Ferens Art Gallery, participate in US artist, Spencer Tunick's 'Sea of Hull' installation in Queen's Gardens in Kingston upon Hull on July 9, 2016.Over a period of 20 years, the New York based artist has created over 90 art installations in some of the most culturally significant places and landmarks around the world including the Sydney Opera House, Place des Arts in Montreal, Mexico City, Ernest Happel Stadium in Vienna and Munich in Germany. / AFP / JON SUPER / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - MANDATORY MENTION OF THE ARTIST UPON PUBLICATION - TO ILLUSTRATE THE EVENT AS SPECIFIED IN THE CAPTION - NO CLOSE UP SHOTS TO BE REPRODUCED OF INDIVIDUALS INVOLVED IN THE INSTALLATION (Photo credit should read JON SUPER/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:JON SUPER via Getty Images)
(19 of22)
Open Image Modal
Naked volunteers, painted in blue to reflect the colours found in Marine paintings in Hull's Ferens Art Gallery, participate in US artist, Spencer Tunick's 'Sea of Hull' installation in Kingston upon Hull on July 9, 2016.Over a period of 20 years, the New York based artist has created over 90 art installations in some of the most culturally significant places and landmarks around the world including the Sydney Opera House, Place des Arts in Montreal, Mexico City, Ernest Happel Stadium in Vienna and Munich in Germany. / AFP / JON SUPER / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - MANDATORY MENTION OF THE ARTIST UPON PUBLICATION - TO ILLUSTRATE THE EVENT AS SPECIFIED IN THE CAPTION - NO CLOSE UP SHOTS TO BE REPRODUCED OF INDIVIDUALS INVOLVED IN THE INSTALLATION (Photo credit should read JON SUPER/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:JON SUPER via Getty Images)
(20 of22)
Open Image Modal
Naked volunteers, painted in blue to reflect the colours found in Marine paintings in Hull's Ferens Art Gallery, participate in US artist, Spencer Tunick's 'Sea of Hull' installation in Kingston upon Hull on July 9, 2016.Over a period of 20 years, the New York based artist has created over 90 art installations in some of the most culturally significant places and landmarks around the world including the Sydney Opera House, Place des Arts in Montreal, Mexico City, Ernest Happel Stadium in Vienna and Munich in Germany. / AFP / JON SUPER / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - MANDATORY MENTION OF THE ARTIST UPON PUBLICATION - TO ILLUSTRATE THE EVENT AS SPECIFIED IN THE CAPTION - NO CLOSE UP SHOTS TO BE REPRODUCED OF INDIVIDUALS INVOLVED IN THE INSTALLATION (Photo credit should read JON SUPER/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:JON SUPER via Getty Images)
(21 of22)
Open Image Modal
Naked volunteers, painted in blue to reflect the colours found in Marine paintings in Hull's Ferens Art Gallery, prepare to participate in US artist, Spencer Tunick's 'Sea of Hull' installation on the Scale Lane swing bridge in Kingston upon Hull on July 9, 2016.Over a period of 20 years, the New York based artist has created over 90 art installations in some of the most culturally significant places and landmarks around the world including the Sydney Opera House, Place des Arts in Montreal, Mexico City, Ernest Happel Stadium in Vienna and Munich in Germany. / AFP / JON SUPER / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - MANDATORY MENTION OF THE ARTIST UPON PUBLICATION - TO ILLUSTRATE THE EVENT AS SPECIFIED IN THE CAPTION - NO CLOSE UP SHOTS TO BE REPRODUCED OF INDIVIDUALS INVOLVED IN THE INSTALLATION (Photo credit should read JON SUPER/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:JON SUPER via Getty Images)
(22 of22)
Open Image Modal
Naked volunteers, painted in blue to reflect the colours found in Marine paintings in Hull's Ferens Art Gallery, participate in US artist, Spencer Tunick's 'Sea of Hull' installation in Kingston upon Hull on July 9, 2016.Over a period of 20 years, the New York based artist has created over 90 art installations in some of the most culturally significant places and landmarks around the world including the Sydney Opera House, Place des Arts in Montreal, Mexico City, Ernest Happel Stadium in Vienna and Munich in Germany. / AFP / JON SUPER / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - MANDATORY MENTION OF THE ARTIST UPON PUBLICATION - TO ILLUSTRATE THE EVENT AS SPECIFIED IN THE CAPTION - NO CLOSE UP SHOTS TO BE REPRODUCED OF INDIVIDUALS INVOLVED IN THE INSTALLATION (Photo credit should read JON SUPER/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:JON SUPER via Getty Images)
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