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Located in the vast and trackless Black Rock
Desert, Burning Man is a yearly gathering of over 30,000 people
that temporarily makes up one of the most densely populated cities
in the entire county. Over the period of one week, the desolate
ground transforms to a place filled with creative expression, vibrant
energy, delusion, delirium, and freedom from cultural norms. Burning
Man “pilgrims” flock from around the globe to take part
in an event where the rules of society are blown away like the sandstorms
that swirl through the desert.
One of the most fascinating aspects of Burning
Man is the accepting nature and philosophy of its participants.
Burning Man allows attendees to express aspects of themselves that
might normally lie dormant under the restraints of society. Fascinated
by this freedom of expression, I ventured into the once ancient
lakebed, also known as “The Playa,” to capture participants
as their alter egos. The following images are portraits of Burning
Man pilgrims who have left their place in society to join a world
of unity, madness, creativity and acceptance. Their former selves
are merely shadows in the sand of the Nevada Desert.
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