BURNING MAN 2012 PROJECT OVERVIEW
Philosophical Statement
CELEBRATE 2012 AND THE THEME OF FERTILITY WITH AN ALIEN NATIVITY!
Inspired in part by our shared interest surrounding aliens and ancient alien civilizations and visitations, this extraordinary exhibit harnesses the classic kitsch of popular alien motifs, and merges it with the timeless tranquility of the Nativity of Jesus. The resulting scene is tactless and spectacular, but also explores deeper themes and layers of meaning.
Housed in a monolithic pyramid, the Alien Nativity is a pantheistic amalgam of traditional beliefs, marginalized histories and provocative symbolism. From the Alien Magi, to the androgynous Mary & Joseph, to the mirror manger and theanthropic Shaman-Santa, the exhibit calls to mind ancient civilizations, but also channels an alien futurism embodied by the pyramid’s great, gilded illumination.
At the center of our mythical scene, the manger serves as the proverbial cradle of our project philosophy. But this is no ordinary nativity. Instead of baby Jesus, we’ve placed a mirror that bears the reflection of all those who peer in, and casts the onlooker as the star of the exhibit. This invites visitors to recognize the divinity in themselves – a message we see as intrinsic to Burning Man.
By reworking the mythos of a legendary birth, we hope to draw attention to the arbitrary nature of history selection, while also tapping the wellspring of ideas implicit in the theme of fertility. Burning Man is a fertile ground for self-discovery, child-like wonder, ecstatic work and serious play, and we aim to transmit that through our unique installation.
As a multi-faceted mythological mash-up that’s rife with symbolism, each aspect of Alien Nativity is a retelling of the old story that borrows from more than just the Western tradition. Alien intelligence, Playa culture, alchemy, shamanism, Gnostic Christianity, Egyptian mysteries, and cosmic connectivity. All these themes coalesce into an unforgettable display.
Physical Description
A beacon amidst the divine clutter, the pyramid housing the awe-inspiring Alien Nativity will be a highly visible, highly sought-out destination at Burning Man 2012.
From afar, the gold monolith reaching 37 feet in height with a 52-foot square base will draw attention based on its size and purity of form. Many attendees will see the exhibit before actually seeing it, transfixed by a high-powered laser signaling heavenward. This is the soul of each Burner transcending self-doubt, inhibition and earthly baggage—headed for the higher planes of improved consciousness and greater awareness.
On approach, initiates will see twin tunnels of brightly-lit Gothic arches. These are the “Terrestrial Pathways,” two pathways consisting of seven arches each, leading to the pyramid’s two entrances. Light-diffracting rainbow glasses will be issued to ensure that each initiate is showered in a glowing baptismal of rainbow satisfaction on their way toward the mystical surprise that awaits them.
At the threshold of the pyramid’s two grand entrances, light fades to dark, clearing the palate upon entering the expansive sacred chamber. Four uninterrupted reams of RGB LEDs line the lateral edges of the pyramid’s interior, ascending toward the peak and bursting from the top in a concentrated light stream visible across the playa.
Nestled modestly amidst this wondrous setting on a stage at the pyramid’s core is the nativity itself. Visitors will see four Alien Magi bearing molecular parcels, an androgynous Mary & Joseph, a shamanic Santa-like shepherd entity, otherworldly animals resembling cephalopods and jellyfish, a super-intelligent Master Alien, and a self-affirming mirror manger, surprising each Burner with their own reflection, and reminding them of their own hidden potential. Overhead, a star shines brightly—it’s Sirius, the brightest star in the night sky.
Sound Component
The sound element of the alien nativity is enveloping and offers up a range of moody atmospherics. Black Rock City citizens will be treated to an interactive palette of noises and murmurs, triggered by infrared proximity sensors coupled with microcontroller technology. The area in front of the manger in particular will be a hot zone for interactive sound and lighting effects. Audio samples will become more or less intense as sensors perceive changes in the environment. As limbs catch in the infrared beams, the triggered sample bank will emit and adjust sounds (in volume or pitch, for example) as visitors approach. These interactive elements will encourage playfulness among participants, causing them to further explore the space by using their bodies to effect their aural surroundings.
In addition to the interactive sound triggering, Portland psychedelic band Swahili will concoct an original composition to underscore the hullabaloo. The piece will feature a mixture of analog (“organic-archaic”) and digital (“techno-futuristic”) instrumentation, and will explore interstellar realms through melody, drone and sonic texture. Taking cues from traditions in modern music, the musicians hope to craft a sort of aural story that transports the audience to an implacable space.
Sound elements will be most audible within the structure via a petite wall-mounted surround sound system. Ambient sound may also be gently broadcast outside the exhibit to provide atmosphere for visitors.
Illumination
The pyramid’s geometry is sheer with zero protrusions, thus requiring little extraneous outdoor lighting. The light-intensive nature of the exhibit will make the pyramid very visible on the nighttime horizon. From the LED arches, to the flood-lit exterior, to the meticulous stage lighting and laser-emitting peak. The internal lighting scheme will provide enough light to make all walls visible in the interest of avoiding any head knocks and other injuries.
During the day, the pyramid will rely on natural light which will flood the chamber via an opening at the top of the pyramid and at the two entrances. Spacing between the plywood panels will create a honeycomb-like pattern visible from within the pyramid during the daytime as an intricate shadowplay, and will appear as a brilliant light web externally, at night.
Floodlights will aid construction by night in our efforts to ready the exhibit. A well-lit generator will be distanced from the exhibit to reduce noise.
Interactivity
A key to drawing in visitors will be the light arches (inspired by last year’s Tunnel of Questionable Enlightenment) which, combined with 3-D rainbow glasses provide an experience like no other. Through light diffracting lenses the viewer is showered in a rainbow fireworks display with hundreds of programmable LEDs working in unison to dazzle their senses. Additionally, an uncanny hologram effect is produced by the light/glasses combo, causing fellow Black Rock City denizens to appear eerily transparent. This strange and disorienting effect has a way of relocating the viewer, causing them to slow down and interact with one another and the exhibit.
Once in the pyramid, opportunities for interactivity are multifold. The very nature of the exhibit prompts visitors to interact with themselves, examining their own psychology and likeness in the mysterious mirror manger. The sound and lighting around the manger will be particularly reactive, heralding the arrival of each visitor as a gift and delight, as a sort of A/V cue for “YOU MADE IT!” Their very presence adds meaning, and in a sense completes an exhibit which was essentially made special for them.
The symbolic content of Alien Nativity should give Black Rock citizens much to ponder, and conversations will be encouraged by design as visitors are given the opportunity to sprawl out in the space, finding respite along the well-cushioned perimeter.
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