The rich and lyrical symbolism of Metamorphoses is the theme for this Burning Man base pavilion design. It suggests an experience symbolizing the nature of transformation, following a path of mystery and ambiguity.
Five concepts are interwoven to create the central structure, loosely based on Ovid’s tales from 8AD.
The first takes the form of two heroic wings clearly suggestive of flight, but not exactly the pure form of a butterfly. There is ambiguity; it could be a bird, or the wings of Icarus, a symbol of Man’s passion and arrogance.
The second is expressed by a large blue sphere, symbolizing the earth and all the potential our time on this planet represents.
The third, the figure of two large arms which seem to offer up the globe to the heavens, is an adaptation of Ovid’s dark tale of Apollo pursuing Daphne. These hands now allude to a re-greening of the earth, a hope for a better planet.
The fourth is the Golden Cage surrounding the Man, representing the internal and external forces that keep us from realizing our potential as human beings.
The last concept involves the power of the human heart. At the top of the globe, right under the Man, is a platform with an inlaid heart-shaped one-way mirror, and if you get on your knees, and look intensely into that heart, you can see the whole universe. This is your universe, this your heart, and you know, in that moment, this is where you belong.
All the information about how to enter the 2020 WAN Awards is here.
We are very happy to offer support so please don’t hesitate to email Georgia, WAN Awards Event Coordinator with any questions at Georgia.Baily@haymarket.com.
Last year more than 40 countries took part in the WAN Awards with strong showings from Europe, the Americas and Asia-Pacific. And we saw some truly outstanding projects, take a look at the winners from last year here.