Models take off their clothes at the annual Body Painting Day in New York City Author: Reuters

Dan Fastberg

New York (Reuters)-If you happen to stroll around Union Square in New York City on Sunday, you might see an unusual sight: people posing naked, covered in floral patterns, and stars painted in bright colors.

This is how a group of 26 artists and 45 models celebrated the 8th New York Body Painting Day, using the human body as a canvas to promote body positivity and other messages.

The main organizer of the event and artist Andy Golub said: “The idea of ​​the event is actually to promote the free expression and acceptance of everyone, as well as their ideas as artists and their bodies.”

This is also a way to celebrate New York City’s recovery from the deadly coronavirus pandemic after more than a year of restrictions that forced the city that never sleeps to an almost complete halt.

“I think it’s important to show that New York City is getting better, and this is actually a period of rejuvenation,” said New York City architect Rocket Osborne.

Models stand under tents set up in a bustling square, and artists paint on them. Others posed on the stage set up for the event to show the completed artwork, while passers-by stopped to take pictures or record videos.

A small group of several hundred people gathered to watch the event in the hot summer, but fortunately the organizers were not as intense as the paint melted.

Gregory Valentine, a resident and sculptor of Queens, said: “I think it’s beautiful, people can actually go out and become what we should be.”