Bondi Freikörperkultur Ed. 5 of 5

Artist Statement
Freikörperkultur I is derived from the German Naturists Movement that had it
beginning in the Lebensreform movement and the Wandervogel youth movement of
1896. Emerging from Steglitz, Berlin, it promoted ideas of fitness and vigour, while at
the same time, doctors of the Natural Healing Movement were using heliotherapy,
treating diseases such as tuberculosis, rheumatism, and scrofula with exposure to
sunlight.
The Freikörperkultur und Lebensreform movement remains active throughout
Europe, Scandinavia, the UK and increasingly Australia. Through out the 20th
century it fostered a significant subculture producing artworks, photography and
publications. The pagan movement is very active in Freikörperkultur too.
Today, there are many clubs, parks and beaches which are clothing optional.
Germans & Scandinavians are typically the most commonly visitors at nude beaches
in France and around Europe.
In Australia, clothing optional areas around Sydney were established from the 1970s
that include Lady Bay, Cobblers Beach & Obelisk Beach in Sydney Harbour and
Little Congwong Beach in Botany Bay. There are many small secluded parts of Pitt
Water and the Royal National Park that are clothing optional.
The ‘Freikörperkultur und Lebensreform Sydney’ project will bring the aesthetic from
the heyday of German Freikörperkultur in the 1930s into a contemporary Sydney
context. It will replicate the styles and ethos of Freikörperkultur in a contemporary art
form involving local people and local places.
Steve Starr

Follow

Studio+Gallery+Projects was established by Steve Starr’ to operate from his studio at Lennox Street Art Studios. Studio+Gallery+Projects focus is to utilise the studio as a place of work and public engagement. Like many other creatives, we are thinking out side the traditional parameters of how to run an art practice as a business.

While Steve's primary focus is on digital collage, photography and painting and his practice now extends to curatorial projects. In addition to his art practice, Steve (aka Thompson) is a published author, curator and heritage specialist with over 20 years of experience in the arts and cultural sector. Steve has published many books, essays and web exhibitions on Australian art, photography and social history. Steve teaches Arts Administration (Museums & Galleries) at Tafe: Ultimo campus.

Steve was educated at East Sydney Technical College, The University Sydney, University of the Arts London and UNSW: Art & Design and lives in Elizabeth Bay, Australia.