Naked Venezuelans surround Bolivar's statue
 

(gg)

CARACAS, Venezuela (Reuters) - More than 1,500 people
gathered around a statue of 19th century liberation
hero Simon Bolivar on Sunday and posed nude for a U.S.
artist famous for his photos of naked crowds in public
spaces.

Spencer Tunick organized the Caracas photo shoot along
downtown Avenida Bolivar, a frequent spot for
political rallies by supporters of President Hugo
Chavez.

Surrounded by dozens of reporters and onlookers, the
participants cracked jokes, shouted cheers for Tunick
and struck poses for the press.

"I worked very, very hard and the people were
extremely, extremely, extremely exuberant," Tunick
said after the shoot.

"It's a new experience. And beyond the disinhibition
of taking off clothes, this also involves art," said
Jerry Lino, 30, who took part in the event. "One never
feels naked."

More than 7,800 people had signed up, but only between
1,500 and 2,000 showed up.

Bolivar looms large in the rhetoric of Chavez. The
populist president says he is leading a leftist
"Bolivarian Revolution" to end poverty in the South
American nation.

Tunick has photographed nude people in New York City
as well as other urban centers around the world
including London, Sao Paulo, Brazil, and Vienna, Austria.

Bolivar was quoted as saying "I've turned to stone...if you know what I mean." ;)