In an act of empowerment, 100 women joined together with photographer Spencer Tunick on Sunday in Cleveland. The group of women posed naked in a work of art called “Everything She Says Means Everything.”
Among the reasons for the protest are the defunding of planned parenthood, the anti-women rhetoric expressed by the Republican Party, hatefulness against others, support of feminism and of course, Donald Trump (R-N.Y.) himself.
The opportunity to participate prompted over 1,800 women to send in their applications. In order to apply, women had to detail their reasons for participating, and they were as diverse as were the women who showed up to model.
During the photo shoot, women posed naked while holding up mirrors to shine their woman-power outwards. Participants enjoyed this aspect and expressed appreciation for the ability to stand against the Republican Party and everything for which it stands.
Tunick commented on the fact that posing nude gave women the power to reject the objectification and prohibition of women’s bodies. He began planning the project in 2013 because he didn’t intend to receive any support for the project.
Thus, the juxtaposition with the Republican Party as it stands is quite a coincidence. The fact that Trump is the nominee just gave more fuel to the fire of participating models.
The photo shoot took place on private property at a distance from the RNC site. This was intentional. Tunick planned the activity in this way specifically to avoid the presence of media.
The spirit of the event was celebratory and exciting. While some women admitted feeling nervous, their fears were assuaged as they joined together in the sameness of their bodies after stripping down. Many different women of all ages, colors and sizes participated.
For an event without media coverage, the response is impressive. A peaceful morning of joyful rejection sets the example for women across the country.
It is a message for all women; we do not have to submit to the rhetoric of the republican party or machista bigots like Trump. Women across the country have responded in thanks and approval to those who stood, baring all in the name of feminism.
View some of the original photos of this art installation at Huffington Post (NSFW).
Watch this news report on the protest for more information (NSFW):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-r6xEZFc5gs&ab_channel=wochitNews
Featured Image: Screenshot Via Wochit News Video Via YouTube.
