American photographer Spencer Tunick captured hundreds of naked men and women on the shores of the Dead Sea in a protest aimed at raising awareness about the climate emergency. Israeli media reported on October 17, 2021, that Tunick, known for his installations involving nudity, organized this new artistic project following two previous experiences that contributed to tourism in Israel.
Tunick asked 200 naked men and women, painted white, to stand close to each other with the declared aim of raising awareness about the climate emergency in the world, using the Dead Sea as an example of natural environments that are threatened with extinction. Tunick stated, "The Dead Sea is disappearing. We need to find a way to maintain its level, or else we will have to supply it with freshwater. Water is life."
The photographer gave instructions to the protesters using a megaphone and organized their standing and movements for a full hour. The participants, aged between 19 and 70 years, stood completely naked near the Dead Sea. Nisan Ben Haimo, the mayor of the Israeli city of Arad, attended the installation and considered it essential to engage "now in a plan to save this pearl," especially with a plan for Israel to create a museum for the Dead Sea in the city.
Previously, Spencer Tunick had already completed two artistic projects near the Dead Sea, significantly contributing to Israeli tourism. For the photographer, "the Dead Sea is the eighth wonder of the vital world."
