CLEVELAND - New York-based artist Spencer Tunick sought just 100 women to pose nude at a photo shoot Sunday morning to protest the Republican National Committee's convention in Cleveland. More than 1,700 volunteered.

Why would so many women want to shed their clothes at daybreak and hold large, circular mirrors overhead?

Tunick passed along some of the reasons volunteers provided when they signed up to participate in his "Everything She Says Means Everything" group photographic art installation, although he removed their names:

"I very much appreciate and identify with the mission of this piece. On a political level, my participation will be in contrast to many Republican ideals regarding the use of women's bodies. My body. My body is mine and I choose how it is used, from abortion to posing nude publicly. On a personal level, I wish to experience public nudity. As a recent rape survivor, I struggle to form a positive relationship with my body and to be present with and in it versus reliving its past trauma. I hope that by trusting the fellow participants with my nudity and sharing in that vulnerability that I will grow closer to loving my body again. For what's it's capable of on every level. For its true cosmic nature."

"The symbolism of the setting and theme of this photograph touches my heart in many ways. I feel a sensitivity towards the timing of the photo occurring at the same time as the Republican National Convention that to me speaks for a voice that often is unheard or attempted to be silenced. This voice is that of the importance of both women and nature in today's atmosphere. I am thrilled that this shoot is happening and I think that having a smaller selection of subjects allows somewhat of a stronger voice in the lyric of the piece."

"As an OB/GYN, I have devoted my life to women's lives from birth to death. This is an awesome way to further support them."

"I would love to be an example not only to my daughters but other women and children on how we will prevail and are worth more than what the eye can see."

"I have been involved in two of Spencer's works before and it is invigorating and inspiring. I appreciate the way that he represents the human figure in a landscape, as if we are a natural part of our environment. In regards to the political season, I like the analogy of the mirrors reflecting back on us as we decide the future of our country and choose who will lead it. Each of us, the image in the mirror, has the potential to promote change and growth. In addition, as I experience my first pregnancy, I wish to look at my life and my choices with a long term approach to serving my children and the people that they will love."

"As a woman, I want to stand up for my reproductive rights. As a Hispanic, I want to be seen as a member of this community. As a first generation American, I want to show that anyone deserves the opportunity to come here. As a young woman, I want to embrace my body and everyone else's size and shape. As a human being, I want to stand up against Trump and other Republicans whose hateful speech towards women, immigrants, LBGT people, and all 'others' is poisoning this nation. "

"I'm a native Clevelander. I recently turned 50 and have been reflecting (no pun intended) on my life. I survived an abusive childhood, poverty, homelessness, and managed to achieve many of my life's dreams. I had an abortion at 19 it was legal and safe, a right that I see threatened by factions of politics and society. Despite having no children of my own, I've raised dozens of young women as their mentor, coach and, on occasion, their emergency bank for tuition and rent. I've transitioned from my maiden years through wise women, and stand at the cusp of my old cronehood. I'm looking forward to this next part of my life."

Artist Spencer Tunick: 'Exciting' response to plans to ring in Republican National Convention with nude photoshoot

"I believe in the power of women, and the power of art to move the world toward a higher consciousness. I also wholeheartedly believe in the freedom of expression, of which this project is the epitome. I like the idea of the collective woman and the feminine energy being a force of nature."

"I am a wife, mother, and medical professional who is passionate about showing women the love and support they are entitled to. In this country I am watching my fellow humans lose hope and self love on a daily basis. It must stop. My daughter and her friends deserve to grow up in a world where they will have access to healthcare and strong support for their life choices. I also want to show her that she can love her body with a fierce passion no matter what the media imposes on her. I am proud of my mind, my body, and most of all my outspoken support for women's rights. Thank you for considering me for this project."

"I cannot think of a better way to protest the RNC, while also expressing my feminine power and devotion to our earth. After reading about the intent behind this project, I believe in its purpose and its symbolic and artistic value. I would be honored to be part of the collective process!"