No Spectators: The Art of Burning Man

Photo Credit: Ben Carsley

The Burning Man exhibit piqued my curiosity for a number of reasons.  First, I have had a life long interest in the relationship between music and the visual arts.  My architectural thesis project was a collaborative effort between a composer, Fred Weck and myself to create, each in their own medium a work that was influenced and inspired by the process and work of the other.  My choice of topic was inspired not only by years of music lessons, but by the German poet and philosopher Goethe, who suggested that architecture is "frozen music."  So many of the works, particularly the costumes were inspired by music and indeed many of the works themselves were musical instruments.  Of course, it was no surprise to learn that much of the foundation for Burning Man as it is today begins back in counter culture movement of the late 60's and 70's Indeed, much the Ten Principles of Burning Man reflect the hopes and mindset of the counter culture 60's.

My second reason to visit the Burning Man exhibit was that I have had a real curiosity about the Burning Man Festival itself: its music, art, its ephemeral nature and its relationship to its physical environment. I have long believed that we shape each other, our works, and have a symbiotic relationship with the environment we inhabit. Being adverse to crowds though, I know in my heart of hearts that my ever actually witnessing Burning Man is unlikely. I was fascinated to learn that each Burning Man involves the building of a sacred space or temple in its center along with the effigy of a human.  The contrast between the human-concentric symbol of the ritual burning of The Man (dating back to the earliest times of human history) contrast with the creating of space for the Divine: literally solid and void, sacred and profane, ephemeral and eternal, all contrasts that are universally understood and deeply rooted in the human psyche.

The third reason that this exhibit was a "must see" for me was its focus on what has become termed "maker culture."  I am fortunate enough to enjoy easy and affordable access to computers, laser cutters, and 3-D printers for the past several years.  It is amazing at what one can make with just the most minimal of instruction and effort.  These tools are additive as well! These are considered the primary tools of the new "makers" of this culture. The new makers are also marked as "remakers" through the repurposing of the everyday into the unexpected and exciting.

But I wonder, haven't humans always been makers?  Isn't that part of what makes us unique on the planet? Yes, beavers build dams, termites build amazing structures to protect and nurture their eggs, birds build fabulous nests and displays to attract a mate.  But, humans build for different reasons.  I cannot help but recall the Biblical story of the Tower of Babel, where we built to touch the sky, that is the realm of the Divine.  We build to make a home, mark our place upon the landscape and thereby history.  We build for an infinite number of practical, intellectual and spiritual reasons.

​However, I think it's safe to say we build because it is certainly one of the things humans do best.  In fact, I would go so far to say that human beings are today and always have been a "maker culture."  So it is curious to me that it takes a somewhat eccentric, and obscure little music and arts festival to draw attention to our very own nature.  But, isn't that after all part of the purpose of great art, to call our minds and hearts to reflection about who we are, how we live and what we can become and how we can possibly be?  For me, great art opens one's eyes more and increases our perspective.  It evokes wonder, makes us laugh, catch our breath, and become present to the moment of discovery and experience.  No, I didn't attend Burning Man on the New Mexican playa, but I did have the privilege and good fortune of having much of the experience come to DC to share just some of its extravagant wonder and exuberance.  I encourage you to experience it as well!
This exhibit is on display now at the Smithsonian's Renwick Gallery until November 18th, 2018.

https://americanart.si.edu/exhibitions/burning-man
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