The Zymphonic Wormhole

A wormhole is a theoretical passage through the space-time continuum that create shortcuts for long journeys across the universe. For us, space is the final frontier, where no man has gone before, and the wormhole, the new silk roads upon which we voyage into the future.

The goal of the Zymphonic Wormhole was to celebrate the emergent, layered symphony in light and sound generated by traces of fearless adventurers thrusting themselves out into the great unknown — adventurers for whom what they would experience is as unimaginable to them as it would be to us modern humans, if we were to boldly fling ourselves towards new worlds in outer space through a wormhole. This 2014 Burning Man project received an honorarium grant, and in alignment with their theme “Caravansary” explored the rich cultural exchanges brought about by mercantile adventurers on the silk road — creating a swirling exchange of ideas that shaped every aspect of the modern world.

My role for this installation was primarily as creative director/project manager, and developing the initial concept and design with Julie Betterley. It was a truly collaborative project with all members of the team contributing from concept development through design to implementation. Dann Walker as the lead for the metal structure, Jeff Larson as the lead for the launching structure design, Jeremy Calvert was the lead for the interactive LEDs (with Kinect), Melissa Quinhalha as lead for the sound design, and Brian Keane was the lead for the 3D modeling required to create the structure.

EventBurning ManLocationBlack Rock Desert, NevadaYear2014Size20'x40'x24'Created byTotally LegitMaterialsMetal, rope, wood, electronics