Watch Naked States

Naked States is a documentary film that follows the journey of photographer Spencer Tunick, as he embarks on his ambitious art project that involves photographing large groups of naked individuals in public spaces across America. The film captures his cross-country trip as well as the many difficulties, controversies and triumphs he encounters along the way.

The documentary begins with Tunick's artistic vision of capturing the human form in public spaces. Spencer Tunick is a renowned photographer known for his photographs of large groups of naked individuals. The film follows Tunick as he sets out to capture the naked form in public spaces across America.

The documentary begins in New York City, the home base of Tunick's art. He captures a group of naked individuals in Times Square, New York City. As he progresses through his art project, he finds that gaining permission for his work can be a challenge. He encounters many obstacles, including getting permits to take photographs, preventing newsworthy events, and dealing with police.

Tunick soon discovers that he's not the first artist to try to push the boundaries of acceptable art. There are numerous examples of artists trying to challenge societal norms, including Marcel Duchamp, who made a urinal into an art piece, and Robert Mapplethorpe, who documented homosexual sex in photograph. Tunick is intrigued by these artists and their spirit of rebellion, and decides to follow in their footsteps.

Throughout the film, Tunick meets and talks with numerous individuals who have decided to participate in his art project. He talks with them about their motivations, and their experiences being naked in public. The participants are diverse, ranging from students to elderly people to couples, and all come together to show that the human form can be a beautiful and empowering thing.

Tunick's travels take him through many different states, including North Dakota, Louisiana, New Mexico, and California. The film provides a glimpse of the cities, towns, and landscapes of America, as well as the many people who call them home. Along the way, Tunick and his crew deal with many obstacles and challenges, including resistance from local law enforcement, unhelpful officials, and uncooperative participants.

One of the highlights of the film is the participation of Phish guitarist Trey Anastasio. He joins Tunick in a New York City photoshoot, and talks about his own experiences with artistic expression. Anastasio discusses the importance of pushing boundaries, challenging norms, and trying to make a difference in the world.

Another notable participant in the project is Fraya Berg, a 96-year-old Holocaust survivor who joins the Naked States project in San Francisco. Her participation in the shoot serves as a powerful statement about the body as a symbol of freedom and survival.

Throughout the film, the participants in the project talk about what it means to be naked in public. They talk about the vulnerability and empowerment that comes from baring one's flesh for all to see, and how it can help to break down societal barriers and stereotypes. They also talk about the importance of artistic expression, and the ability to use art to challenge and change societal norms.

Overall, Naked States is a powerful and fascinating film about one artist's quest to challenge societal norms and capture the beauty and vulnerability of the human form. Through Spencer Tunick's journey, viewers are provided a glimpse into the different attitudes and perspectives of Americans towards nudity, art and self-expression. The film is not only entertaining and provocative but also offers insights into the societal forces that shape our cultural attitudes and identities.