Renowned American photographer Spencer Tunick is organizing a large-scale nude art project in Maspalomas, Gran Canaria, to coincide with the upcoming Culture and Business Pride International Festival in the Canary Islands. The event, scheduled for the weekend, will feature participants whose bodies are painted in the colors of the Pride flag, highlighting themes of coexistence and equality.

Tunick, who has previously directed mass nude photo sessions in more than 250 cities worldwide, described the project as primarily abstract with an activist undertone. He explained that this new work, titled “Gran Spectrum,” aims to celebrate both the local community and the diverse visitors who flock to the island seeking an inclusive, welcoming environment. Maspalomas and Gran Canaria have established reputations as leading European destinations for LGBT tourism, a sector that significantly contributes to the island's economy. According to the local tourism board, LGBT visitors generate over €600 million annually, accounting for approximately 15 percent of Gran Canaria’s total tourism revenue.

Participants in the project will receive details about the exact location only on the day of the event and will be given a limited-edition photograph as a memento. Tunick shared insights into the meticulous preparation involved in the project, emphasizing his effort to accurately capture the spectrum of colors representing the LGBTQI+ community. He noted that although he initially thought the flag had six or seven colors, he was surprised to learn it contains 11 distinct shades. This realization led him to spend the summer experimenting with various tones of body paint, a process that proved challenging, even irritating his wife due to the extensive mess in his studio.

Tunick has previously engaged large groups in similar public art events, such as in Hull, UK, in 2016, where thousands of participants were painted blue for the “Sea of Hull” project. For “Gran Spectrum,” he hopes to create a powerful visual statement that honors diversity and solidarity during Pride week, reinforcing Gran Canaria’s reputation as a safe haven for individuals seeking connection, reflection, and celebration.