Artist performs naked street stunt in NYC SoHo

Baltimore-based performance artist Psuperhamb, also known as Ham, conducted a three-day naked street performance in New York City’s SoHo neighborhood from September 5 to September 8. Standing on a platform near Houston and Crosby Streets, the artist had messages scrawled on his body, including “Use less to fight progress.” The stunt was reportedly intended to draw attention to OpenAI opening an office in the area.

The performance drew significant negative reactions from passersby. Following the event, Ham claimed he was assaulted by an individual who pushed him off his platform and punched him in the face. He also stated he was involuntarily committed to a psychiatric ward on September 8 after being taken into custody by the NYPD, though the department has not confirmed the details of the assault or his arrest.

The NYPD noted that public nudity in connection with expressive activity is not necessarily unlawful, stating that legality depends on specific circumstances.