Document Actions
The Dreamer
The temporary reinstallation of The Dreamer in its Golden Gate Park setting was part of a pilot project designed, in part, to explore the issues and challenges associated with placing artwork created for the Burning Man festival into new contexts. The installation was initiated and sponsored by the Black Rock Arts Foundation, with the support of a grant from the James Irvine Foundation.
While no damage to the artwork was suffered during its installation at Burning Man, where almost 40, 000 individuals enjoyed it for a week; the piece did incur structural and cosmetic damage on May 20, 2007, while on view in Golden Gate Park.
During the 2007 Bay to Breakers annual spring race, in San Francisco, enthusiastic revelers climbed on top of the artwork causing hundreds of dollars worth of damage. BRAF responded by allocating some of its unrestricted funds to support subsequent repairs made by the original artist, Pepe Ozan, and his assistant, Los Angeles artist and performer, Elonifer Skyhawk. Afterwards, the artist graciously agreed to continue to allow the piece to be displayed at the Golden Gate location.
BRAF used this opportunity to monitor audience reaction throughout the summer. Since then, other cities and locales have sought the support and advice of BRAF for the temporary placement of Burning Man art in their communities. Based on this experience, BRAF launched the design of an informational 'tool-kit' of recommendations so that other communities can replicate these efforts without mishap.
The Dreamer was commissioned by Burning Man in 2005 as part of its theme Psyche. To learn more about how the piece was conceived and created, click here for Pepe Ozan's Artist's Statement.
Photos: Elonifer Skyhawk and Pepe Ozan, 2007
For more info please contact: info@blackrockarts.org or write:
3450 Third Street, Suite 2A
San Francisco, CA 94124
phone: 415-626-1248
BRAF is a 501(c)3 Non-Profit Organization, Federal Tax Exempt ID #91-2130056.
© 2004-2009 Black Rock Arts Foundation