Iggy Pop sits for nude life drawing class at the New York Academy of Art

'His body has witnessed much and should be documented.'

(Brooklyn Museum)

Most life drawing subjects are anonymous opportunists looking to make a quick buck, but none other than Iggy Pop sat (well, laid) for artists at the New York Academy of Art this week.

The life drawing class was hosted by Turner Prize-winning artist Jeremy Deller, with the completed portraits set to be shown off at the Brooklyn Museum in autumn, before the Iggy Pop Life Class collection tours yet-to-be-announced museums around the US.

Deller said Iggy Pop was chosen given how central the frequently half-naked musician’s body is to his music and aesthetic.

“For me it makes perfect sense for Iggy Pop to be the subject of a life class; his body is central to an understanding of rock music and its place within American culture. His body has witnessed much and should be documented,” he explained.

The portraits will follow the release of the 68-year-old’s new album Post Pop Depression, which sees him collaborate with Queens of the Stone Age’s Josh Homme and he expects to be his last.

"I feel like I'm closing up after this, that's what I feel. It's my gut instinct," he said recently.