Burning Man: Art on Fire

by Jennifer Raiser, Will Chase (Foreword), Leo Villareal (Afterword)

Every August, tens of thousands of participants gather to celebrate artistic expression in Nevada’s barren Black Rock Desert. This vastly inhospitable location, called the playa, is the site of Burning Man, where, within a 9-mile fence, artists called Burners create a temporary city devoted to art and participation. Braving extreme elements, over two hundred wildly ambitious works of art are created and intended to delight, provoke, involve, or amaze. In 2013, over 68,000 people attended – the highest number ever allowed on the playa. As Burning Man has created new context, new categories of art have emerged since its inception, including Art to Ride, Collaborative Art, Art for Social Change, and of course, Art to Burn.

The Art of Burning Man is an authorized collection of the best of Burning Man art from 1986 through today. Experience the amazing sculptures, art, stories, and interviews from the world’s greatest gathering of artists. Get lost in a rich gallery of images showcasing the best examples of playa art with over 200 photos. Interviews with the artists reveal not only their motivation to create art specifically for Burning Man, but they also illuminate the dramatic efforts it took to create their pieces. Featuring the incredible photography of long-time Burning Man photographers, Sidney Erthal and Scott London, an introduction from Burning Man founder Larry Harvey, and a preface from artist Leo Villareal, this stunning gift book allows Burners and enthusiasts alike to have a piece of Burning Man with them all year around.

Genres: Art, Nonfiction, Photography

208 pages, Hardcover

First published June 1, 2014

Reviews

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been told that I should attend Burning Man at least once during my lifetime as it is a life-changing experience! So, when I came across this book during my work day at the Library I thought I would take it home for a peek. Burning Man is a week-long annual art festival that takes place in the harsh desert conditions of Black Rock City, Nevada, and culminates in the burning of an effigy. The book is an authorized collection of some of the most extraordinary works of art from recent years of Burning Man. It's truly incredible! Anyone who visits Burning Man should be prepared to be visually blown away! An interesting quote used in the book is, "You can discover more about a person in an hour of play than in a year of conversation." ~ Plato

[MKF · Rating 5 out of 5]

All I knew about Burning Man was people burned something so I was never interested. The cover drew me to this book and I am really glad I did. It introduces the readers to Burning Man and the artist and people who turn the desert into an art gallery. The photos of all the different art pieces were my favorite part because each piece was unique, sometimes weird, and beautiful. A great book for those with interest in Burning Man or a love of art!

[Bettie]

http://www.theguardian.com/music/gall...

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve been told a few times over the years that I need to go to Burning Man, and that there’s so much art there. Realistically, this book is likely the closest I’ll ever get to attending. I prefer my sand in the form of a beach on the ocean- a nice place to sit and relax with a good book as the waves roll in. But I digress. This is a beautiful coffee table book, and a fascinating window into a community bursting with more creativity than I’d ever imagined.

*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[María · Rating 4 out of 5]

I bet I am not the only one thinking I need to go to Burning Man after reading this.
What an inspirational place. The effort that goes into these artworks is unparalleled - and with no financial gain. As someone who knows the art world pretty well (and how superficial it can be), discovering such an alternative setting and rules for art it’s awe-inspiring.
I applaud every artist who dedicates their time and work to make this happen every year.

[Weasly Grizzly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Poetic and inspiring

[Kelly Stuart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gorgeous coffee table book!

[Leonard · Rating 4 out of 5]

The large format photo book about what is one of the most unusual annual art experiences in the world is a good representation of the event. It includes a number of quotes about life ands art in general from recognizable persons such as Rumi, Sappho, and Einstein, but most of them seem to miss the impact one expects from such individuals. I think they could have selected better quotes. However the photos are great and the book entertains and informs the interested reader.

[RACHEL · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Burning Man" brings a taste of the festival to you in well written glimpses of the community and beautiful photography that will have you planning a trip to Black Rock City to participate in the full Burning Man experience.

My copy came through Goodreads First Reads.

[Dr.Ray Winter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don't let the title put you off ; the conception and scale of these creations is impressive !

[Mills College Library]

700.97935 R159 2014

[Vaibhav Bhandari · Rating 5 out of 5]

The bible of burning man art. Perfect for inspiration and ideas.

[Katra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I want to go.