100 naked women at the Republican convention? Artist plans to make it happen

New York artist Spencer Tunick is looking for 100 women to pose nude in downtown Cleveland on July 17, the day before the Republican National Convention begins.

The women will hold large mirror disks while standing naked near the Quicken Loans Arena at sunrise, according to Tunick’s website.

Tunick has done this kind of thing before, and has produced more than 75 photographs of nude people in large groups. He had multiple explanations for doing the Cleveland art installation, according to an interview with Cleveland Scene.

“I never really do protest work. And I thought maybe I don’t want Cleveland to be a protest work,” Tunick said.

“Maybe I want it to be a work that women can be part of, maybe to heighten the idea that women will decide the outcome of this election and will have a more powerful presence in the future of politics, the future of the country, and the future of the world. It’s not so much a protest but an action, a wake-up call to the absurdity of politics and discrimination.”

Tunick added that he liked the thought of using the mirrors with women to reflect the, “knowledge and wisdom of progressive women and the concept of ‘Mother Nature’ into and onto the convention center, cityscape and horizon of Cleveland.”

To apply, participants have to send Tunick a photo of themselves. Tunick said they use the photos to select women of different body types and skin tones so everyone feels represented.

“You’re welcome to be clothed in the photo that you are submitting to be selected,” the website clarifies. It also welcomes women of all political parties.

Tunick said the work is partially for his daughters, hoping they will grow up in a society with less hate and violence towards women.

Indecent exposure can lead to arrest in Ohio, and a sexual offender registration if the person is found guilty. Indecent exposure includes exposing private parts under Ohio law. Tunick’s website does not mention any legal concerns, though he has previously been arrested in New York for a similar installation. Tunick has said his arrest was illegal, since working with nudity is allowed in New York.

Sgt. Jennifer Ciaccia, of the Cleveland Police Department, said it was also against the city’s public indecency laws and she was unaware of anyone applying for a permit.

This story was originally published May 12, 2016 at 1:20 PM with the headline "100 naked women at the Republican convention? Artist plans to make it happen."