Client: Burning Man

Overview

The CIRQUE DE REFLEXIONS comprises a tantalizing exterior reminiscent of chrysanthemum petals and Chinese folding screens and a mysterious inner sanctum with a mystical mirrored and faceted centerpiece. The plan is a 12 pointed star and the triangular columns rise 14 feet in height curving inwards like a flower folding for the night. The imagery of the intricately laser-cut plywood panels – incorporating sun, moon and stars, waves, scrolls, birds, and flowers – is inspired by the famous Tattooed Ladies of the historic travelling carnivals, and the lower panels are applied with mirror images of contortionists.

Goals

The CIRQUE DE REFLEXIONS won an Honoraria Grant from Burning Man in the year 2015 when the theme of the event was 'Carnival of Mirrors'. Inspired by the travelling carnivals that criss-crossed America in the 19th century, it celebrated performers of all kinds and encouraged spectators to become performers themselves. It was intended to intrigue and inspire while also offering a sheltered shady enclosure in the harsh desert where participants could reflect upon their fractured image in the mirrored obelisk at its heart.

Process

The artist worked closely with UK based design company Zone Creations on the digital files for laser-cutting, and on the structure of the mirrored obelisk, and made test panels and towers and a complete obelisk in the UK. The entire project was then cut by Serra Laser in Los Angeles, shipped flat to Reno, and assembled on site in the Black Rock Desert by the Artist's team.