john marx of form4 architecture pays homage to heroic women at burning man 2019 with an intricate and luminous pavilion entitled ‘andromeda reimagined: a sanctuary in deep playa.’ while drawing from philosophical and poetic themes, the project provides respite to visitors in the heat of the nevada desert. driven by burning man’s art theme of ‘metamorphosis,’ marx — together with bay area-based art collective ‘playa muses’ — reimagine the classical myth of andromeda, evolving the story from a male hero narrative to a story of female empowerment. the structure challenges the greek tale of andromeda, who was saved by perseus from a death sentence before attaining celestial immortality as a constellation. in the reimagining, andromeda — as a strong, independent woman — saves herself with the help of a supportive community.
all images courtesy of john marx, AIA
intended to spark introspection among burning man goers, the surfaces of john marx’s pyramidal structure expresses ornate CNC-cut patterning which aim to evoke the starry heavens. exterior fins line the vertices of the pyramid, mimicking the swirling trajectories of the cosmos. when illuminated from within, the installation projects its whimsical light onto the nighttime desert floor. ‘andromeda reimagined’ beckons attendees toward its plush interior which pays homage to andromeda with four oval paintings by artist mary graham depicting the reimagined narrative, and a fifth hanging panel displaying the structure’s thematic poem, ‘how brightly.’ a bronze sculpture by mischell riley called ‘freedom and awaken’ rises eight feet and anchors the center. hanging markers prompt visitors to proclaim their own female heroes along the walls.
john marx comments on the project: ‘the structure itself relates to the infinite potential of the stars in the sky — specifically the andromeda constellation, but not in any literal way. the white star-shaped cutouts and the dramatic swirls represent the arc of planets and stars as they move across the sky.’
project info:
project title: andromeda reimagined: a sanctuary in deep playa
lead designer: john marx, AIA
location: burning man, black rock city, NV
year: 2019
creators: playa muses, a san francisco bay area art collective
project leader: brian poindexter
artists: mary graham, mischell riley
dimensions: 26 feet tall, 15 feet diameter; each side of the five-sided pyramid is 10 feet wide
materials: CNC-milled plywood on steel structure
burning man art theme: ‘metamorphosis’
‘how brightly’ by john marx, AIA
your life
is not measured by
how brightly
you might shine
for one glorious moment
as the sun
but rather
in how beautifully
you add
your light
to the universe
of stars
in the evening sky
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