Creating HABA

HABA - The concept and sculpture for Burning Man, 2024. HABA utilizes face stencils cut into plywood that will cast shadows onto the desert ground - The Playa. Shadows up to 200'-400' feet are possible during sunrise and sunset, with the strongest, darkest, and clearest shadows at 30'-60' feet. The faces are dynamic and will move across Playa as the sun moves across the sky. Night shadows will also be possible with moonlight. Approximately 10 Faces (10'x12'each) will be installed, like a wall, at 20’ high by 60’ long. A viewing deck platform at the top of the sculpture provides the best viewing point of the shadows.

My intent with the sculpture is to celebrate, respect, and honor the Paiute Tribe of Pyramid Lake, Northwestern Nevada - The faces of their ancestors, elders, community members and youth will adorn the sculpture and cast powerful shadows onto the land - symbolizing the bond and strength of the people's connection to the Playa. Working closely with the Paiute community, on Pyramid Lake, I conducted several stencil workshops on March 21-28 2023, and gained the content that best represented this community. We are now building the design and selecting the appropriate faces as they determine.

Your contribution will add to the creation of HABA. From the workshops to fabrication, transportation, installations, the gathering at Burning Man, and the donation of the sculpture back to the Paiute community. This funding helps build connections of multiple communities working and building together to understand each other's cultures and share our differences with art, process, and celebration.

Thank you for your consideration and contribution.

Peyton