Spencer Tunick: Scope Out

Spencer Tunick visited the UK to create a unique series of nude portraits for his exhibition, Scope Out, curated by Strange Cargo at Georges House Gallery. Described by Tunick as his "homage to film," this exhibition highlights his connection to traditional photographic methods. Displayed in vibrant keychain viewing scopes, the portraits offer a nostalgic nod to a photographic device from his early years. The show also features Tunick’s personal archive of scopes, providing additional context and depth to the exhibition. Scope Out was part of the national Museums at Night Festival organized by Culture24.

This marked Tunick's first seaside project in the UK, inspired by a vote from 3,736 participants who chose Folkestone as the location. The event, a "performative photographic action," took place on a secluded seaside spot, with 156 selected participants posing against the English Channel backdrop. These individuals received their personal scopes as souvenirs at the Museums at Night event on May 17, 2014, commemorating their unique experience with Tunick.

Spencer Tunick is renowned for his large-scale nude installations set against diverse landscapes, from civic centers to desert storms. His work blends sculpture and performance art, and he has exhibited globally, including at Art Basel, the Saatchi Gallery, and Vienna Kunsthalle.

Special thanks to Arts Council England, Culture24, Shepway District Council, and Folkestone Town Council.

Photo credits: Luke Yates and Folkestone Herald.