Burning Man 2022 (Part 3 – Art I)

One of the primary reasons I attend Burning Man is to experience the art. I genuinely believe it represents the most significant art exhibition globally, surpassing anything I've encountered even across 57 years of life. Burning Man art embraces inclusivity, free from elitism or snobbery. Artists generously share their work at no cost, often leaving their identities and the titles of their creations undisclosed. Attendees can find more about this through the Burning Man map. However, I believe many participants, including myself, enjoy wandering and appreciating the art without focusing on who created it or what it’s called. This, in my opinion, is the essence of the experience.

The Burning Man map indicated that there were a total of 337 artworks showcased in 2022. The following images represent a mostly random selection captured during daylight hours. Many installations shine brightest after dark when illuminated or emitting fire. For instance, an object that appears to be a lifeless tree in the daytime may erupt in flames from its branches once the sun sets.

At Burning Man, it seems that there are always a few places of worship. One such example is the Little Church of Thanks and Prayers. Inside, it was beautifully arranged with benches and an altar, which featured a large guest book where visitors could jot down their gratitude and prayers.

This installation was one of my favorites; the image hardly captures its true essence. These inflatable honey containers soared about 20 feet high. At night, around 20 people, including myself, attempted to topple them. By the morning, as seen in this photo, some had clearly fallen victim to our nighttime antics, lying on their sides.

In my upcoming newsletter, I'll continue to explore the artistic offerings at Burning Man.

Written by: Michael Shackleford