50 shed clothes on Wall Street, 3 arrested

NEW YORK, Aug. 3 (UPI) -- A New York artist said he convinced 50 people to disrobe along Wall Street for his project and three of the performers were arrested.

Zefrey Throwell said his performance piece, titled "Ocularpation: Wall Street," involved 50 people dressed as street sweepers, secretaries, chief executive officers and other occupations shedding their clothing at 7 a.m. Monday in the Financial District, the New York Post reported Tuesday.

Throwell, who said he was inspired when his mother lost her savings in 2008 and had to return to work, said the performance was a call for "transparency" on Wall Street.

"I came up with this as an educational project to help illuminate the mysterious wheels of Wall Street," Throwell told the New York Daily News. "It's not just a strip tease."

The Post said three participants were arrested after getting naked in front of the New York Stock Exchange. Christine Coleman, Eric Anderson and Aaron Mattocks were charged with disorderly conduct and exposure. They were issued summonses and released.