Body painting competition draws artists to South Korea
Dozens of female models are turned into living canvasses at a body painting festival in the southeastern city of Daegu. Artists from around the world descended on the city for the event.
Checking the make-up
A painted model checks her make-up at the Daegu Bodypainting Festival in South Korea. Artists from at least 10 countries descended on Daegu for the competition in the southeast of the country
Models talk backstage
Models talk backstage before presenting the designs of their artists at Daegu International Bodypainting Festival that runs through August 27.
The artist at work
Artist Iwasaki Masakazu of Japan applies spray paint to a model, while an unidentified man applies delicate brush strokes.
The finished work
A model showcases the end-result by Japanese artist Iwasaki Masakazu. "I've never been naked anywhere but around my husband," said American participant Neome Mullenberg, as artists, equipped with spray paint and brushes, diligently worked on her body. "The weirdest part is that I feel like I'm fully clothed," she said, adding that the camera flashes and gazes from strangers did not bother her.
A backstage pose
It can take six hours to turn the models into walking works of art.
Strike a pose
The female subjects strutted across the stage in high heeled shoes and exotic headdresses to display their dazzling body art before the cameras.
A model and her shadow
A model representing Italian painter Emanuele Borello strikes a pose during the festival.