Alan Matthew

Burning Man

Once a year, tens of thousands of participants gather in Nevada's Black Rock Desert to create Black Rock City, dedicated to community, art, self-expression, and self-reliance. They depart one week later, having left no trace whatsoever.

The gallery includes photos taken 2004- 2009.

   
  
     
  
   
  
     
  
   
  
     
  
   
  
     
  
   
  
     
  
   
  
     
  
   
  
     
  
   
  
     
  
   
  
     
  
   
  
     
  
   
  
     
  
   
  
     
  
   
  
     
  
   
  
     
  
   
People give and recieve mail valid for the week.
  
     
  
   
  
     
  
   
  
     
  
   
  
     
  
   
  
     
  
   
  
     
  
It's 2 AM and people are hanging out in the desert under a massive metal fire spouting dragon.
  
  
I laugh all the time at this photo. There's a bottle of bourbon floating over the crowd.
     
  
   
  
     
  
   
One night I was riding my bicycle across the desert and came upon this lounge on wheels.
   
     
  
   
  
     
  
   
The Burn begins with an enourmous fireworks display.
   
     
  
   
  
     
  
On Sunday night they burn a temple. During the week people create a human work of art. Thier focus is on forgiveness. One year I saw where a person wrote, "I forgive whoever stole my bicycle last year." Others write about tragic and personal things. As the temple burns these thoughts and emotions are set loose. In fact there are many dust clones that escape the fire.