Burning Man Sculptures And Costumes (PHOTOS)

Each year, Burning Man's particular brand of industrial sculpture, free-form costumes and dusty nudity has made it a hotbed of unusual art. In past years, it's launched the career of artist Leo Villareal and brought serious attention to other artists, such as Mike Ross.

But with the festival's affection for novelty, each year's works are radically different from those of years past. How do this year's pieces stack up? Decide below in the slideshow below, with images from photographer Michael Holden

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Comments

[Bubba10]

06:03 PM on 09/09/2011

Who builds (and pays to build) all those things?

[nobodobodon]

01:34 AM on 09/10/2011

Mostly it's individual participants volunteering.

The main "Man" structure is paid for with ticket money, and I think some of the people that work on it are paid staff. I believe some ticket money is used for art grants, but that mostly (or maybe only) covers materials and transport, not wages or food or anything for the participants.

Often, especially for the larger ones, there is a big fundraising effort, both through local events and through Kickstarter.com or similar sites.

The one in picture number two was built by a bunch of friends of mine. They do it because they love it.

[Waterphoneman]

06:16 PM on 09/08/2011

Wow, high art in a dry place. I am ready now for Burning Woman.

[seemso]

12:20 AM on 09/12/2011

In 1996 Water Woman almost became burning woman. She was about to be torched by a rusted rolling creature the size of T-rex throwing fifty feet flames but the community stood in the way and stopped it. As a creator. . . if you don't go it is a loss.

[Jim8]

01:04 PM on 09/08/2011

The decision to go or not is pretty simple:
If you don't think you should go, you shouldn't. If you think you should go, you should.

No one can explain Burning Man, it's a different experience for everyone who goes. An older couple (who probably shouldn't have gone) asked me this year, "What do you do here?" I replied, "First you have to decide what you want to do."

Whatever you are looking for, even things you aren't aware you are looking for, you will find there. Or it will find you.

If you aren't sure how to go about going, try the Green Tortoise. Do some Googling.

[brantaydes]

08:24 PM on 09/07/2011

Whatever your new photo format is, it isn't working on any of my computers. Can open first picture, but then none of the other photos will open. Don't know if others are having difficulty, but very frustrating. Bob Hines

[speckitis]

05:52 PM on 09/07/2011

Wish I could've gone. My hat is off to those who did go.

[eric14]

08:22 AM on 09/07/2011

Extraordinary works.

[sensimilla]

03:01 AM on 09/07/2011

I just returned from Home. It was a wonderful year full of incredible people and personal challenges. Once again the Playa teaches new lessons..

[Gadgetman]

01:20 AM on 09/07/2011

Relentless creativity. I've been there three times. It's an incredible experience.

[qtip46]

10:29 PM on 09/06/2011

I am a 65y/o woman,I've been twice,it is truly amazing,would go again in a heartbeat........

[SamKnause]

09:57 PM on 09/06/2011

Awesome talented people !!!!!

[Pod-gers]

09:29 PM on 09/06/2011

Try as I might, I don't get this; generational thing? Remember the Be In?

[qtip46]

10:30 PM on 09/06/2011

Yeah you're probably too old in your head.....

[Pod-gers]

10:08 AM on 09/07/2011

Hang it in your ear, Q Tip.

[Gadgetman]

01:20 AM on 09/07/2011

Just go. Else how do explain purple to a blind person?

[Pod-gers]

10:05 AM on 09/07/2011

Black Rasberry Jelly.

[bizwiz1980]

08:56 PM on 09/06/2011

genius

[Gadgetman]

02:30 AM on 09/07/2011

Just go. Else how do explain purple to a blind person?

[Steve Richmond]

08:37 PM on 09/06/2011

pic #6, WOW!!!!!

[sensimilla]

03:02 AM on 09/07/2011

The temple was incredible this year, and the burn beautiful and very HOT!

[american-dolt]

08:13 PM on 09/06/2011

This Year brought to you by BP and Goldman Sachs.

Actually, I'm guessing, how can something last this long without being ruined by money.

[Gadgetman]

01:27 AM on 09/07/2011

Go before you become too cynical.

[TheOuroborus]

07:05 PM on 09/06/2011

RIP Burning Man 1986 - 2010

[Phillip Rhoades]

07:49 PM on 09/06/2011

Could you elaborate?

[Taymullah]

08:03 PM on 09/06/2011

lol it died long long long ago..

Its been outrageous and inaccessible for old fans for many years now, once we used to pool some money together get a rig and head to the desert. Now we just stay home and let all the rich hipsters and yuppies ruin what was once a great event.

[sensimilla]

03:04 AM on 09/07/2011

Having returned just moments ago, i can tell you that Black Rock City is as good as ever with amazing people, art, and merriment. It is far from ruined, this year being one of the most inspirational yet (6 so far).

Don't listen to the hype, go again. I think you'll be very surprised at the quality of the burners.