Week 6 [01-07.06.20] Burning Man
Every year for 7 days the city is built from nothing and after 7 days it disappears. It’s a city with a population around 70 000 people. Can you imagine that? Yes, it’s not a dream. This place is called Black Rock City.
Today I want to tell you about the Burning Man festival. If you have never heard about it, and
you are watching an introduction video about it for the first time, you may think that it’s an average festival with a lot of drugs, alcohol and strange people. But there is much more behind that. It’s a place that gathers poor people and billionaires to live by certain rules. People prepare for BM during the whole year: design their costumes, cars, art objects that introduce their inner world. And once all these things from different people appear in one place, this is where the magic starts.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JbSUyYXH8hs
“If you were there at least once, you want to turn back to the Burning Man next time. And not just because there are a lot of parties, art installations and a lot of fun. You want to return because of the people. The basic idea of the Burning Man is to show that money does not govern the world. You can find here any help, support, services absolutely for free. When you come here the first time you just take and take again, and then again. And after that, you start to understand that you don’t want just taking anymore. You want to give something too.” - says Lena in an interview about Burning Man.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IWR45bt0YjU&t=68s
People bring a lot of furniture, constructions & building materials to the Burning Man. All of this is brought to build a city in the middle of big and hot the Black Rock Desert.
People bring a lot of furniture, constructions & building materials to the Burning Man. All of this is brought to build a city in the middle of big and hot the Black Rock Desert.
Source: http://www.scottlondon.com/photo/burningman2018/013.html
For the second day of the event, the city is becoming increasingly urban.
Source: http://www.scottlondon.com/photo/burningman2018/013.html
Everything there is thought-out to the smallest detail. As in a real city, there are primary streets and secondary districts. Black rock city is shaped like a semicircle. Every street's called as a certain time (3:45, 4:00, 5:15, etc). If you know how the street is called you know where you are. You simply have to imagine a dialogue clock face.
In the middle of the dial is a place called Playa. All the main streets lead to it. And in the center
of the Playa is a big figure of a man, called “THE MAN” - this is the focal point of the city.
You may think that the Black Rock City is not big enough to have streets’ names, but riding the bicycle from one end to the other may take you around two hours. As in the regular city, Black Rock city has its own airport, newspaper (called BRC weekly), post office, hospital administrative building, and even traffic jams, but it’s not just a basic city. There is even a church, where people bring something memorable from their family or friends. On the last day of BM, the church is burnt as mostly every building and art object in the Black Rock City.
Burning Man is a sort of fantasy on how the post-apocalyptic world will look like.
It feels like the “Fallout” game and the “Mad Max” movie combined.
It feels like the “Fallout” game and the “Mad Max” movie combined.
‘’On the Burning Man, you must pinch yourself all the time because you just cannot believe that it’s not a dream’’ – suggests Anton Ptushkin in his blog.
Even though I only have given you a glimpse of the Burning Man, I hope that I have managed to grasp your interest and that one day we can meet in the mysterious Black Rock City ☺
Have you ever heard about Burning Man?
How do you like the idea of such a city in the real world?
Would you like to visit Black Rock City?
Have you ever heard about Burning Man?
ReplyDeleteI have but "heard" is a well settled knowledge-level of mine. I know the concept of it, few basic facts but nothing over the top of that.
How do you like the idea of such a city in the real world?
To be honest I don't think that such creation could potentially exist as a organized administrative unit which is a key concept of a city. I don't mind if someone would run it on a private property as a whole-year festival-kind of a thing.
At the other hand event target specific group of people who crates the unique atmosphere of this place and I do not think that they can withstand drugs throughout the year. Then, what I assume might happen - mass of random people that would participate in infinite party will make it evolve because the original core will be lost. It's hard to say if it would be good or bad but for sure it want last in the currently known form.
Would you like to visit Black Rock City?
At some point of my life for sure but I don't know if I'm already enough open minded to have fun at the level I should to overtake all of the challenges needed to be there.
I agree that a large number of people are going there to dancing, drinking and so on. But what distinguishes BM from other festivals that there are a majority of people who work all day. And they working for free. As I wrote you can find there most services that you would need. The main idea of this article about the world without money, but I don’t think that’s a good idea too. I was just thinking out loud. 😊
DeleteYes, I heard about this festival - a city in the middle of the desert, music and fantastic decorations. It reminds me a bit of the Plozlich am Meer festival - a German techno festival organized in Kołobrzeg. Maybe you heard about it? participants were preparing for the festival throughout the year. They made decorations, totems and masks. They danced until the morning on the beach. A wonderful, colorful event. An unforgettable experience! Unfortunately, this festival is gone.
ReplyDeleteI think The Buring Man could exist as an artistic installation / performance rather than a real city. Or as a settlement, optionally.
I would love to visit this festival and take part in the production of such decorations.
I haven’t heard about Plozlich, but I’ll surely find some info and watch it :) It’s sad that this festival is gone, I hope that BM will live on and all interested could visit this amazing place.
DeleteI’ve never heard about Burning Man and it’s the first time. I’m not sure if it’s because I’m not into such topics or it’s simply not so popular. To be honest, I don’t like sci-fi movies and other things related to this genre and that’s why probably it doesn’t appeal to me. That’s why I don’t think that I’d like this idea in the real world. Nevertheless, I have to say that I’d like to visit such a city because I like new places.
ReplyDeleteActually I’m not a big fan of festivals too, but when I saw film on YT about BM first time, I was so amazed and inspired, so just couldn’t stop watching more and more. Btw I couldn’t agree that it’s not popular, 70 000 tickets were sold out during first 2 hours last year :)
DeleteOf course, I've heard about the famous "Burning Man" festival inspired by "Mad Max"! If you are interested in such a festival theme, I recommend "Wasteland Weekend", this is the World’s Largest Post-Apocalyptic Festival in California. Did you know that it's founder was a polish artist Karol Bartoszyński, costume and clothing designer? This festival includes post-apocalyptic themed costumes, bands and vehicles. "Wasteland Weekend" is also based on "Mad Max" movie and requires all attendees to wear appropriately themed clothing.
ReplyDeleteThe conception of a temporary city is not a bad idea, because it fits to use such us big area which is desert space for this type of attractions. In my opinion, it is a nice experience, even for the organizers themselves as well as for people participating this kind of event.
I would like to visit this type of event, because of it’s very interesting assumptions and the involvement of many, many people. I've always liked parties that are arranged by useing themed clothes.
I've heard about this festival, but I didn't know that part of it is building the city! It seems almost impossible to me and I'm very curious how difficult is transporting all necessary materials. Unfortunately, I'm not convinced that this is entertainment for people on a small budget, because ticket value is about $500.
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of creating such a wonderful place!
These photos are A M A Z I N G! 💙Some of them look unreal.
Of course, I'd love to visit Burning Man! It must be an
unforgettable experience and the opportunity to meet interesting and creative people. I hope that one day I will have a chance to go there.
Thanks for your comment.
DeleteThat wasn't so hard to find these photos. But harder to choose one. :)
The majority of photos on the net from BM are amazing.
Actually, it's not that easy to buy tickets to BM ,too :(
An easy way is to get it at pre-sale,but it will cost you around 1600$.
Most ticket huting is done during the main sale where tickets are limited
but at least they cost 425$. There were 1,5 mln ticket request this year, and only 23k tickets available.
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ReplyDeleteWow! I have never heard of this festival. I wonder why... Everything sounds so unreal, and something like that exists!
ReplyDeleteI really like this idea. It must be an interesting experience. It is interesting that people need to create a completely different world. A completely different world in which they live. I can be said that a social experiment is carried out every year.
To be honest, I would love to participate in something like that. Maybe someday it will be possible to get there.
Live in a completely different world for 8 days, why not? 😁
Agree with you! I think it’s great opportunity to change your life for few days, try and explore completely different world :)
DeleteI hear about a Burning Man for the first time and I like it very much. It must be a very inspiring experience in life, I envy people who were there and experienced this festival ..
ReplyDeleteI would love to visit Black Rock City, but I don't think I have enough time because I would like too much things to do in my life. But the whole action with the creation of this festival, the way of dress (in these photos everything looks awesome), even this that people want to show that not only money counts but other values in life - I really like it. So if only I had the opportunity, I could take part in this festival!
I really believe that BM is the experience that everyone should try, I think that this experience of life change something in you, and you will never be the same person, in a good way ofc :)
DeleteI have never heard of it and even now, after reading the article, I do not believe a little. It sounds and looks unreal - after seeing the pictures I thought it was a game!
ReplyDeleteI have a little problem with the answer. On the one hand it looks phenomenal, it is very interesting. The very idea of creating something so ephemeral, which at the same time is so refined. On the other hand - I have a problem with transience. What is the point to create something that will soon disappear? Sure, I know there are many artists who think that art is in the moment, because art is act, not a product, but it doesn't talk to me.
Sure that i would visit. I'd rather not just go to this city, but if I were on a trip it would definitely be one of the points on the map of places to visit.
It is a game but in the real game :)
DeleteI think that it is an emotional moment when on the last day all art installations and buildings are burning.
Have you ever heard about Burning Man?
ReplyDeleteIt's the first time that I heard about Burning Man. That is maybe because I'm not a sci-fi fan. When I hear the word 'festival' I rather think about music which I listen every day and not about fantasy world ;)
How do you like the idea of such a city in the real world?
It's a tough question for me. On the one hand it seems to be so interesting and exciting idea... but on the flip side, as I mentioned before, I'm not a sci-fi fan.
Would you like to visit Black Rock City?
I would like to visit this festival to try something different, but I'm not sure that I would enjoy it.
BM it’s not just about sci-fi and music, for me it’s opportunity to exploring another type of world, meeting people that think in the other way that we used to, and changing your state of mind.
DeleteBut it’s only my opinion :)
I have never heard about Burning Man before, however now as I found out what it is, I consider the idea of such a gathering remarkable! It is astonishing how such city is build in 7 days each year and soon after it all disappears. All the buildings and installations look extraordinary! I guess I would really enjoy visiting such a place and meeting all those people who are involved in creating such a space. Hopefully we can meet up there one day!
ReplyDeleteThank you! Hope to see you there :)
DeleteI think it's hard to not hear about this event. It's mentioned almost in every show, movie or I'm just watching shows like that. Every time I see any shots from this event it's breathtaking!
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure what do you mean by idea of such city in real world. If you're saying about building such a city for an event, I can say that's a brilliant initiative and great break from work and you day to day life. I'd love to see this on my own.
I think if I'd have an opportunity this would be one of must haves on my lists to visit. It's something that you'll probably remember for your whole life!.
Of course I have heard about it! And since than this is a festival that I really want to visit. On the clips from the Internet it looks amazing and there are such a various things to see there. The view of a steampunk city in the middle of the desert and connected with music seems breathtaking. I am really big fan of steampunk and would love to travel there with close friends and experience it at least one time in my life!
ReplyDeleteI've never heard about this festival before. Nevertheless, I am amazed by the whole story behind this event and I believe that participating in it is a souvenir for life. It is also important that during the Burning Man we have a possibility to meet people from around the world who together create a certain community.
ReplyDeleteI think that the magic of this event is based on its limited time frame. In my opinion, everyday life in such a city could be hard. After all, as modern people, we're used to a particular way of thinking and working. I believe that after a while it could negatively affect the mental health of the people living there. Post-apocalyptic cities are designed to present some art concept, not to live in them permanently.
Some day, I would like to participate in this Burning Man festival. I will certainly search the internet for more information about it. For sure, it would be a unique opportunity to meet people and make friends. Moreover, the atmosphere of the whole event captivated me. You can't experience it anywhere else.
I agree with you on 100%.
DeleteI am very happy that I can tell you something new :)
I have dreamt about going to Burning Man since always, since I've started going to music festivals. It's certainly the most spectacular music and art event that I know. I think the whole concept of the festival I brilliant and out of this world. I guess one of the things that I admire about BM is that its temporal and ephemeris so I wouldn't like such city to exist for permanent. Your post just reminded me how much I'm going to miss festivals this summer :D
ReplyDeleteI hope that normal life will return back soon and we all have a great summer, maybe not this year, but next year for sure :)
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ReplyDeleteAllthough I have never hear of this festival I do like the idea of this festival. It has egalitarian roots, as the participants gather together, regardless of their social backgrounds. People strugle together to fulfill the program. I see it returning to older times before civilization developed.
ReplyDeleteI would like to attend such a festival especially in a desert and gaze at the stars at night. The idea of the whole area being burned after can symbolize a return to purity.
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ReplyDeleteI haven't heard of Burning Man festival. This is not definitely something I would really don't like. I prefer go to the Woodstock festival, there is a different atmosphere, which does not mean that better or worse.
DeleteI wouldn't like to live in wold such like you describe in article above. It seems surreal and frightening to me also I don't think children will find in it.
Actually, I would't like to visit such place like Black Rock City. I stay with my favourite Woodstock there is something that I love and feel good there I don't want to change it at all. :)
I haven’t heard about Burning Man. In my opinion this idea is not good. I don’t want to visit Black Rock City. Sorry for such “no” approach, but I’m not interest in this kind of topic and I don’t have anything worth to say.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, I've never heard of "Burning Man", but the idea itself seems very fascinating! I'm most moved by the size of this city. 70,000 people are a lot, and riding a bike in 2 hours means there is plenty of space. I regret that I did not know about the existence of this event before. Watching movies and photos from this event, it is not difficult to notice the incredible attention to detail, which makes it easy to feel like in a real city. This allows you to live an alternative life for a week. I would participate in it with great pleasure!
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ReplyDeleteI have not heard of this event before, but the whole initiative sounds intriguing, but at the same time a bit disturbing. I do not think that the idea of such a city in the real world had a right to come into existence, because it would have to be an independent entity to keep its assumptions fully. I don't know if I would attend such an event if I had the opportunity. It seems to be interesting, but I don't know if it's my style.
I have never heard of Burning Man. I do not exactly follow this whole idea. Frankly, it seems to be quite useless economically unfounded.
ReplyDeletePersonally, I think I will never visit Black Rock City
To be honest I've never heard about Burning Man but after reading more about it and looking at those photos I love the idea.
ReplyDeleteI don't think it actually could work as real city but it's pretty cool as the event and I think it could gain some popularity even in Poland.
I'd surely like to visit it at least once. I love the idea and would like to see it in action and meet all those people.
Yes, I heard about Burning Man once but I didn't know what it was.
ReplyDeleteThe idea itself seems great, but in today's world it would be impossible to create such a city. However, if a global catastrophe happened that would destroy most of humanity, then maybe this type of city would arise.
I would love to visit Burning Man. It seems that it could be a fascinating adventure that I would experience more than once. I think that participation in such a festival could significantly affect my perception of the world.
When I was younger I dreamed of being part of this festival, so I heard about it and I still love to watch photos and videos from this event. It's so unreal! But now it's more interesting for me to watch it on my computer when I'm not a party person anymore;) I'm skeptical to the vision of this kind of 'fake' city. But after a real apocalypse...I hope to meet you in a retrofuturistic world ;)
ReplyDeleteNo, I've never heard about the festival. To be honest it could be good experience. In the other hand I would be much more into fantasy climate than science-fiction. Whole idea sounds real and could be awesome adventure. It would be more convenient to visit if it was located in Europe.
ReplyDeleteI’m so sad that it is in America, not Europe.. as you said it would be much easier to participate in BM if it was in Europe, but on the other hand it’s a good opportunity to see America. It would be great to have visa and travel America before or after the festival :)
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