By The Secret Artist

The Burning Man Festival which is one of the world’s biggest art festivals, celebrated 25 years of activity this year. Much of the festival’s activity is focused on interactive art and the experiences of its participants (Each of the 50,000 residents of the temporary city created for the festival is expected to take an active part).  This was the seventh time I documented the festival and the fourth time I was part of the production team.

Breaking Down Bliss Dancer  (Statue by Marco Cochrane)

Burning Man is a photographer’s heaven; mainly because of the large variety of people and art situated in the endless desert (the festival takes place in an area of over 7 square Km.). Sometimes, as an artists and photographer, I’m interested in documenting that which does not meet the eye, “getting” the images that no one else has, to examining the “empty/clean” side of the desert,  and showing things as they are – with no intervention (one of the festival’s guidelines is that you have to ask permission before photographing anyone – in order to maintain the festival’s spirit of encouraging radical personal expression); and take a small part in the work of the dedicated team that is in charge of theconstruction process of this art city/festival .

These are some photographed moments from my experience before and after the festival. This year, I spent a month in the Black Rock desert. I’ve experienced many emotions, perceptions and insights and I hope that all those will awaken within the viewers as well. And if not, it doesn’t matter. Not everyone experiences art in the same way. Sometimes these experiences and moments are only meaningful for the artist (and 5o,ooo participants).

Looking for the sunset and putting up the Man  (statue by Bryan Tedrick)

Marking the Territory at the 3 o’clock Ice Camp

Marking the Territory at the 3 o’clock Ice Camp

Morning Yoga Before Work

No Garbage Collection!

The Fluffers!

Art Night at the DPW Ghetto