Who is Spencer Tunick?
A Spencer is a wig of the 18th century. A Tunic is a draped outer garment worn by the ancient Greeks and Romans.
What would you do differently to what you do now?
Fabricate structures to place people on for recreational purposes or art, a tour guide, a sculptor.
Who inspires you and why?
My wife (@KrystlPink), who has been posing for me and advising me for 24 years.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
Do a work in the United Nations. I already tried but they said they would have to put it to a vote. I said PLEASE put it to a vote. But they did not!
Favourite holiday destination and why?
San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. There is a wonderful symbiotic relationship between travelers, local Mexican citizens and the arts. And I have many friends there.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
I live in Hudson Valley, 45 minutes North of New York City, 7 minutes away from my home and studio is Harriman State Park. Friends take the train from Manhattan to me and I take them hiking in the park. Often we visit at sunrise before anyone is on the trails… in case they want to pose.
What are you currently reading?
American Witness, The Art and Life of Robert Frank by RJ Smith.
What are you currently listening to?
I Am The Moment from the album Arthur Buck -a collaboration between REM’s guitarist Peter Buck and singer-songwriter and visual artist Joseph Arthur.
Happiness is?
When Bernie Sanders is President. Anyone but Trump. A Kangaroo? But that’s an insult to the beautiful Kangaroo.
What does the future hold for you?
I hope to do a work in Asia one day. But mostly to have more freedom without the threat of arrest in the greater 48, meaning everywhere else but New York State in America. It’s legal to work with the nude outdoors in New York State. I can be arrested in most of the other US states for my art. Hope the future is less aggressive towards the nude in art outside of enclosed environment in the US.
Spencer returns to Melbourne this July to create a series of dramatic nude installations as the headline artist of Chapel Street’s PROVOCARÉ Festival of the Arts: 5 – 15 July 2018. For more information, visit: www.provocare.com.au for details.
Image: Spencer Tunick (supplied)