The Tower Project
This page has answers to Frequently Asked Questions about The Tower. You can also use the following links to find out more information about Tower construction dates, or read theProject Intent page, which is my artist's statement about why The Tower was created.
Refer to the project sources page to find out more about the symbolism incorporated into The Tower's design and purpose.
The Tower Project: FAQ
What is The Tower?
The Tower is a large-scale art installation that is being created solely for the Burning Man Festival of 1998. The concept is based loosely on the story of the Tower of Babel. Metaphorically, this is "babble" that we create through confusion and fear. Other elements and symbols from western mystery schools and eastern thought are also incorporated in its design. The Tower is actually a 4-part project. Participants will first encounter The Tower of Babel, then walk through the Garden of Babylon. The Ark of the Covenant, recently re-discovered, will be displayed at the entrance to the healing pavilion.
What does The Tower mean?
The separation of our conscious from our subconscious, and consequently our physical/mental/emotional/spiritual selves, creates our fears and obstacles. This is mirrored (in a macrocosmic way) in our society and culture. We percieve ourselves to be alone with our troubles, yet we all suffer many of the same basic problems.
For many people, Burning Man provides an experience that can help transform us and break down these barriers, allowing us to see new possibilities for ourselves. The Tower is a physical manifestation that when experienced, will help contribute to this process.
See the project sources page for more information about the symbolism of The Tower.
What will The Tower look like?
The Tower will be a 12 foot tall obelisk. From far away, it will be an ominous black shape rising out of the playa. The fences and black flags will make the structure an enclosed compound, symbolic of the "prison" of our minds. The Tower gate will look like a hideous mouth, from which our language emanates. Pass the guards and go through the gate, and you will hear the babble of many voices and languages. Large clocks hang from the ceiling, and masks of death peer out ominously from the shadows. Enter the tent and experience a multimedia exhibit showing the evolution of language and the power of words.
"The Tower" is visible only to those who brave the gate and come inside. What we think of as The Tower is actually hollow, reminding us that it is a Tower of our own false illusions.
Where will The Tower be at Burning Man?
The installation will be on the playa, in front of the Blue Light Village boardwalk/esplanade. Tower volunteers may camp anywhere they wish, or they can camp in the Blue Light Village with the Tower organizers.
Who should go to see The Tower?
We are all on the path to the Tower. The Tower is always with you, just beyond the reach of your dreams, waiting in the carnival of shadows that you dare not face. It is part of the cycles that are constantly at work in our lives. Everyone will have a different experience at The Tower; hopefully they will be motivated to apply what they have learned after they leave Burning Man. Have the courage to face The Tower, and you aid your own transformation in its flames.
The Ark of The Covenant will be at Burning Man?
The Ark of the Covenant will be at the entrance to the healing pavilion. Participants can choose to make a new "covenant" to their own positive growth, write this statement on a "leaf", and hang the leaf in the Garden. The message will be released when the Garden is burned along with The Tower.
What is the healing pavilon for?
The healing pavilion is a shady, comfortable area to rest after your long journey. Healers, tarot readers, massage therapists, and energy workers can be found in here, from noon to midnight during the festival. They can assist you with your experience. At night, light shows will illuminate the Garden, and ambient music will set the mood.
The healing pavilion will be decorated with images of the Chakras, representative of the "wheels of energy" inside of our bodies. When the Chakras are in balance, this "Tower" becomes one of light and positive energy. This represents the proper "connection" that we can strive for, rather than wallowing in "babble".
What can I do to help?
Sign up and volunteer to help with the project. Stop by on the playa and join in the experience! Spend time in self-exploration and improvement, and develop your own healing path.
Volunteer
Participant Comments
The Legend of The Tower
Project Journal
Back to the Tower Gate
Celtic artwork courtesty of Rowan at Fairegrove Conjureworks
Hermit graphic on this page from the Rider-Waite Tarot Deck, copyright US Games Systems
© 1998 Rebecca Pitt chameleon8@hotmail.com