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Women participate in a photo shoot by artist Spencer Tunick in his latest large-scale art installation, Everything She Says Means Everything, across from Quicken Loans Arena, the site of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland
Credit: Spencer Tunick
Under the direction of American artist Spencer Tunick, 100 women bearing large mirrored discs posed nude in protest outside of the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio this morning – the site where this week Republicans will formally announce Donald Trump as their presidential nominee at the party’s National Convention.
Everything She Says Means Everything is Tunick’s second high-profile public works in as many weeks, albeit one staged on a slightly smaller scale than Sea of Hull which last week saw 3000 blue and green painted people flood the streets of Hull in the UK for one of Tunick’s signature large-scale photographic installations. Over 1800 women applied to be part of Everything, but due to safety and security restrictions only 100 women were selected to participate in the work, which Tunick said related as much to “to the idea of the sacred feminine” as to “the most controversial subject in this presidential race, a woman’s body.”
“Republicans, Democrats and all other political parties were welcome to take part reflecting their anger through art against the hateful repressive rhetoric of many in the Republican Party towards women and minorities”, Tunick said of his latest work, which was three years in the making, on a purpose built site.
“Trump and Pence are giving many in America the belief that is OK to hate. Over 1800 women signed up for the 100 spaces to bare all in this heightened arena of politics and protest and this number alone is a testament to their bravery and desire for change.”
“The mirrors communicate that we are a reflection of ourselves, each other, and of, the world that surrounds us. The woman becomes the future and the future becomes the woman.”
Credit: Spencer Tunick
Tunick’s site also contains a number of the statements the women submitted as part of the selection process stating their reasons for wanting to be involved.
“As a woman, I want to stand up for my reproductive rights,” reads one such statement. “As a Hispanic, I want to be seen as a member of this community. As a first-generation American, I want to show that anyone deserves the opportunity to come here. As a young woman, I want to embrace my body and everyone else’s size and shape. As a human being, I want to stand up against Trump and other Republicans whose hateful speech towards women, immigrants, LGBT people, and all ‘others’ is poisoning this nation.
“Being a participant in Spencer’s installation allows women to be the medium, rather than the object. We are so often objectified in our society, being told our self worth is directly related to our appearance. The mirrors reflect the viewer and environment, a message of connection and statement of empowerment.”
Tile image: Timothy A. Clary/AFP/Getty ImagesCover image: Spencer Tunick
