Stuart Ringholt’s Naked Art Tours 2012

Overview

World-renowned masterpieces such as Michelangelo's David have established the blank human canvas as an artwork; however, a recent series of naturist tours has artist Stuart Ringholt taking this to the next level by not only appearing naked himself but requiring all tour participants to also turn up in the flesh.

Officially titled Preceded by a tour of the show by artist Stuart Ringholt 6-8pm (the artist will be naked. Those who wish to join the tour must also be naked. Adults only), the tour has already taken place at Tasmania's Museum of Old and New Art and Melbourne's Australian Centre for Contemporary Art. At such tours, Ringholt has allowed guests to gain a new perspective on existing works by viewing them in a new context where getting kitless is mandatory. Importantly, these tours have taken place outside of the standard venue opening hours, so there is no fear of outsiders or general creepers peeking in.

Hypochondriacs will be relieved to know that you can keep your sneakers on, but it might be hard to choose a pair that will match the rest of your outfit.

Ringholt's art has long been equally confrontational and controversial. In one of his performance pieces, the aptly titled Embarrassment, Ringholt placed himself in some red-faced situations. These included one instance where he walked in public with toilet paper hanging from his pants. Other pieces have documented a period of his life in the mid-'90s where he suffered from a drug addiction and subsequent psychotic episodes.

Sydneysiders will now have a chance to experience Stuart Ringholt in all his naked glory when he conducts these tours at the Museum of Contemporary Art on April 27-29, 2012. Bookings for these sessions open on March 1, and enthusiasts would be wise to get in early after the high demand in other Australian cities. These will be open to adults only.

Birthday suit up.