Client: Burning Man
Location: Black Rock City, NV, United States
Completion date: 2023
Project Team
Artist
Patrick Shearn
Poetic Kinetics
Producer
Desiree Barlow
Poetic Kinetics
Fabricator / Installation & Strike Lead
Kelsy Owens
Poetic Kinetics
Designer / Installation & Strike Crew
Chad Diep
Poetic Kinetics
Designer / Installation & Strike Crew
Geoffrey Sanhueza
Poetic Kinetics
Installation & Strike Crew
Buck Walsky
Installation & Strike Crew
Shannon Kelly
Installation & Strike Crew
Jordan Vandune
Installation & Strike Crew
Tom Jenkins
Installation & Strike Crew
Thomas Clarkson
Installation & Strike Crew
Ada Hirsz
Installation & Strike Crew
Rae Phoenix
Installation & Strike Crew
Petra Sattler-Smith
Installation & Strike Crew
Karen Larsen
Installation & Strike Crew
Amelia Yeh
Installation & Strike Crew
Keith Tu
Installation & Strike Crew
Isaac Safdeys
Overview
Amidst the vast expanse of desert, “Vanishing Points” rose from ground, breaking the horizon in a silent dance with nature. The installation consisted of tapering carbon fiber poles that soared to 96 feet and moved in graceful choreography with the shifting desert winds at Burning Man in 2023.
A tranquil respite from the exhilarating energy of the festival at large, “Vanishing Points” invited visitors to contemplate the delicate interplay between humanity and nature, as the wind constantly interacted with and affected the piece. Within the embrace of this colossal, grass-like, kinetic labyrinth, visitors experienced a profound shift in both perspective and self-perception. The immersive and ever-changing experience of the artwork was a vivid reminder of our capacity to shape our environment as well as a humbling acknowledgment of our modest place within it.
At night, moving laser illumination raked through the field, creating layers of sparkling lights throughout. As the laser light connected with the swaying installation, a sense of depth and movement was revealed within the installation. This visually captivating and enchanting atmosphere drew participants in and invited them to explore and engage with the artwork.
Goals
Vanishing Points was brought to life with the support of The Anchorage Art Museum at Rasmuson Center.
The philosophy of Vanishing Points centers around the interconnectedness of humanity and nature, evoking a sense of unity and harmony within the vastness of our world. The installation seeks to inspire awe and wonder, reminding participants of the beauty and power that lies within our environment and within ourselves. Our goal is to inspire a sense of responsibility to nurture and protect the planet for future generations.
The ethos of the artwork extended into its design and Poetic Kinetics took the following measures to create an environmentally responsible and sustainable art installation, that showcased beauty alongside our commitment to preserving the planet for future generations.
Process
To minimize our environmental impact, we used solar panels to charge deep-cycle batteries during the day. These batteries powered LED lights at night, providing a sustainable and reliable energy source for the duration of the event.
The installation primarily utilizes carbon fiber poles, which are lightweight and durable, reducing transportation-related carbon emissions and ensuring the longevity of the artwork, allowing it to be displayed in various locations around the world.
The modular nature of the installation enables easy disassembly, transportation, and reassembly in different configurations, maximizing its potential for reuse and reducing the need for new materials in future installations.
For nighttime illumination, energy-efficient LED lights and laser technology were used. These lighting methods consume less power than traditional lighting systems, reducing energy consumption.
Solar panels were the sole power source for the lighting components of the installation.
By implementing a comprehensive Leave No Trace plan, we minimized environmental impact during the installation, exhibition, and deinstallation processes, and ultimately restored the site to its original condition.