Israel in the buff

August 18, 2010 - 9:06 AM by David

The rumors were already rampant in April that world famous US photographer Spencer Tunick was thinking of coming to Israel to stage on of his notorious mass nude photo shoots in Tel Aviv.

Well, apparently whether for budgetary issues or due to already mounting opposition from conservative and religious factions in the country, Tunick has decided to switch venues. And local media reported this week that he’s now planning to come and shoot thousands of naked Israelis in the Dead Sea.

Since 1994, Tunick has been shooting masses of nude people on the backdrop of unique sites and landscapes. Countries are lining up to invite him to shoot in their territory. Tunick apparently is using the opportunity to photograph at the Dead Sea to raise awareness to the fact that the site is under a major threat and is rapidly drying up.

Tunick’s father and grandmother both live in Netanya, and according to Ynet, he has visited Israel a number of times. His original plan to place the shoot at the Tel Aviv Port was apparently going to cost $700,000.

In April, he visited the country to scout for an alternative location, choosing the Dead Sea due to its natural connection between the human body with its healing powers and its natural environment,

According to Ynet, various groups of artists and environmentalists are working to raise the necessary sum to bring Tunick to Israel – a total of $250,000 – for the shoot which would take place in the spring.

Fellow Israelis, begin to disrobe!

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