Artist Spencer Tunick captures the LGTBIQ+ spectrum in a giant, multi-colored human sculpture

New York artist Spencer Tunick transformed the historic center of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria into a vibrant canvas on Sunday, creating a massive human sculpture composed of around 500 nude bodies. Painted in the colors of the rainbow, the artwork, titled 'Gran Spectrum,' was unveiled near the Santa Ana Cathedral.

Under the early morning light, Tunick directed volunteers from the rooftop of the Casas Consistoriales. Participants, who had gathered since 5:00 AM, covered their bodies from head to toe in cream paint, forming groups in distinct colors: black, brown, turquoise, pink, white, red, orange, yellow, green, indigo, and violet.

In an atmosphere of collective euphoria, marked by cheers and applause, the participants began assembling in the Plaza de Santa Ana at 7:47 AM. They stood with their arms close to their bodies, forming single-color rows separated by the distance indicated by outstretched arms, gradually creating the rainbow flag formation.

Tunick explained that his intention was to pay homage to the LGTBI community, stating, "Wherever bodies are accepted, naked, in unison, and not separated, it is a step forward toward the future." He expressed his fortune that the participants seemed to enjoy the experience, noting, "Everyone is taking selfies with each other in their different colors, it's very fun." The artist utilized two locations in the Vegueta neighborhood for his creation.

After the main photographic session, Tunick asked the volunteers to face the cathedral. As a Mass was about to begin inside, and with Tunick's private photo sessions concluding in nearby areas, the painted participants began to disperse, now dressed. The dean and the bishop of the Canary Islands had requested the organizers and local police to facilitate access for churchgoers attending the Mass.

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Wherever bodies are accepted, naked, in unison, and not separated, it is a step forward toward the future. I feel very fortunate that all the participants seem to have enjoyed it. Everyone is taking selfies with each other in their different colors, it's very fun.