Burning Man 2023: An Unexpected Tribute to Ukraine

Listening to the media coverage of Burning Man last month, you’d likely be familiar with stories of unexpected rainstorms that swept the playa later in the week. But two days before the skies opened, on a clear Wednesday evening, a different kind of story unfolded for me, one that would leave an indelible mark on my desert experience.

Riding with friends, the vast expanse of the desert serving as our canvas, we chanced upon a curious sight amidst the myriad art installations: a solitary 60-foot wooden box. Its mysterious aura was palpable, drawing us in. As we pondered its purpose, a stranger approached, sharing a story of the box’s significance—a poignant tribute to art from a Ukraine in turmoil.

Intrigued, we were told of a scheduled transformation the next evening. The once silent box, under the desert stars, erupted into a mesmerizing fire, birthing from its ashes a steel phoenix. This spectacle was more than mere art; it was a raw testament to resilience, rebirth, and hope.

As the night’s chill deepened, we found ourselves drawn to the warm glow of what seemed like campfire remnants. It was here that serendipity introduced us to Ellen Lopatkina of NORTIA LOGISTICS INC . As the force behind the phoenix’s journey from Ukraine to the playa, Ellen unraveled layers to the tale, bridging the vast physical distance between the desert and Ukraine with stories of passion and perseverance.

Just days after this profound encounter, the unexpected rains drenched the playa, dominating headlines. But to me, the true essence of Burning Man that year was encapsulated in that Wednesday evening’s tale—a beacon of resilience, standing tall and defiant before nature’s unpredictability.

In the vast tapestry of my Burning Man experiences, this one stands out, reminding me that amidst vast landscapes and changing weather, it’s the stories of hope and human spirit that endure.