Skyhorse Carousel: Art, Culture, & Cosmos

The Skyhorse Carousel is both a ride and piece of art which celebrates human culture and cosmology from ancient and modern times. This art installation is headed for Black Rock City for Burning Man 2024, and after that to festivals, galleries, and events in Los Angeles wherever science, art, and culture may meet.

THE CONCEPT: Long before we began to understand modern astronomical concepts, people imagined the heavens as governed by powerful beings. These were not just deities, but also the humble beasts which served them and, in turn, helped maintain cosmic order. In many stories, it is horses who traverse the skies each night and day, bearing, embodying, and guiding the Sun, Moon, and stars for mortal civilization down below, such as the fiery steeds of Greek Helios pulling his solar chariot or the shining manes of Skinfaxi and Hrímfaxi who lit up Viking skies. In other stories, different animals play a role, such as Nah’Gah, the Paiute Bighorn who climbed the tallest mountain to become the North Star, or the Jade Rabbit who lives with Chang'e on the Moon. Stories like this come from all over the world, some now part of ancient myth and others part of modern, living traditions. We aim to celebrate these cosmic beasts and the role they play in our universe, creating an experience with aspects of both art and play.

THE GOAL: Our stated goal is about half of what it took to transform this carousel, allowing us to pay back our most critical costs. Please see our website for a transparent breakdown of our budget. Funds donated to this project will go to things like: equipment needed to handle/assemble/operate the carousel, replacing the existing incandescent lights with LEDs, permit inspection and insurance, paint/paint supplies, and transportation to/from BRC.