Mona He Leads Groundbreaking Art Installation, Setting Stage for Burning Man 2025
Following this success, Mona He is already preparing for her next large-scale installation at Burning Man 2025: MONA DIE! DIE! DIE!. This project will explore themes of impermanence, transformation, and uncertainty through an interactive die-shaped installation that will be burnt during the Mona Funeral March, a ceremonial procession reflecting on life cycles and change.
The Mona Mushroom. Photo by Mark Fromson.
A Visionary Female Artist Reshaping Public Art
Born in Sichuan, China, Mona He pursued her artistic training at the China Academy of Art, specializing in sculpture. As an artist and team leader, she has continually pushed boundaries in public art, merging mythology, science, and large-scale installations to create transformative experiences. Her leadership at Burning Man 2024 extended beyond her own artistic vision, fostering a collective effort that brought together experts from diverse disciplines to realize an unprecedented artistic feat.
Building the Fungal Kingdom: A Communal Effort
Following her Mona Bunny installation at Burning Man 2023, Mona He returned with Mona Mushroom, an 8-meter-tall, 3-ton stainless steel sculpture that appeared organic and soft despite its industrial material. By day, it stood as a striking landmark; by night, it became a whimsical, interactive experience. Inside the mushroom's stem, a mirrored chamber reflected LED visuals contributed by international artists, creating an immersive, otherworldly effect enhanced by swirling fog and laser-lit projections.
The installation was woven into a rich mythology—an ancient fungal network awakening beneath the playa, surfacing to explore the world and inviting participants into its Wonderland-inspired journey.
Mona Mushroom's laser show, designed by Chinese artist Li Quansheng, projected intricate patterns onto the sculpture's gills, synchronized with the album Music for a Mushroom, co-produced by Jason Adams and Janis Hesse. The spectacle expanded into the sky with a 1,001-drone performance, the largest in Burning Man history. The drones mimicked mycelial formations, surreal figures, and a deeply personal sequence depicting Mona He's childhood—walking home alone, feeling alienated, before being lifted into the sky by the Burning Man effigy.
The 1,001-drone performance. Photo by Mark Fromson.
Mona He's team orchestrated the Million Mushroom March, a theatrical pilgrimage enacting a battle between the Kingdom of Fungi and the Kingdom of Animalia. Leading the march were the Mushroom King, Mushroom Pope, and Mushroom General, followed by hundreds of participants in mushroom-themed costumes carrying luminous props and banners.
The event featured talks at Center Camp by notable figures including Alex Grey, Allyson Grey, Rick Doblin, Pamela Kryskow and Chuchu Wang, covering topics such as mycology, psychedelic art, and therapy. The march culminated in DJ performances by The Human Experience, Allen Hulsey, and Pierre, followed by the spore-themed drone show.
At the heart of this effort was Mona Camp, a 70-person collective of scientists, engineers, musicians, and artists who worked together to construct and maintain the installation. Key contributors included neuroscientist Janis Hesse (project lead), architect Drew Wilson (camp lead), beast-of-all-trades Liquid (build lead), mycologist Andy Tsai (operations lead), systems engineer Peiji Duan (electricity lead), and artists Ming Ke, Yaqin He and Bowei Wang (logistics leads).
Beyond Burning Man: Mona He's Broader Impact on Art and Education
Mona He's artistic influence extends beyond large-scale festival installations. As the founder of Mona Foundation, she has been an advocate for public art, youth art education, and community-driven creativity.
Mona He believes in the power of art to drive social change. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she led a series of interactive projects with young students, including a thematic series on self-portraits, pandemic reflections, human-animal coexistence, and interpersonal relationships. These projects later aligned closely with national entrance exam themes, reinforcing the relevance of artistic expression in contemporary discourse.
Beyond education, she has spearheaded public art initiatives using art to revitalize rural communities, and youth art charity auctions, raising funds to support children's artistic development. Through her work, she continues to challenge traditional boundaries of art, education, and public engagement.
The Mona Bunny. Photo by Mattias Löw.
Looking Ahead: Mona Camp and Burning Man 2025
As a pioneer in large-scale public art and a dedicated educator, Mona He is committed to expanding access to art education and fostering interdisciplinary collaborations. Her approach integrates art, technology, and social activism, creating a holistic model of artistic engagement that resonates globally. From the sands of Black Rock City to classrooms and museums, her journey is a testament to the transformative power of art in shaping minds and communities.
Mona Camp is now recruiting artists, engineers, and volunteers for Burning Man 2025. Those interested in joining the creative process of MONA DIE! DIE! DIE! can become part of this growing artistic movement, contributing their skills to an evolving vision of public art and community engagement.
To follow Mona He's journey and get involved, visit monaartfund.org, support at crowdfundr.com/crowdfundr.mona.com or connect with her on Instagram at @mona_miaohe.
Media Contact
Company Name: Mona Art Foundation
Contact Person: Miao He
Email: Send Email
City: New York
State: New York
Country: United States
Website: http://monaartfund.org
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Toronto Sun
2 days ago
- Toronto Sun
Japanese pop idol Kenshin Kamimura convicted of indecent assault but avoids jail
He allegedly touched the interpreter's thigh repeatedly during a celebratory dinner at a restaurant Published Aug 13, 2025 • 2 minute read J-pop star Kenshin Kamimura arrives at the West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts to hear verdict over his indecent assault case in Hong Kong, Wednesday, August 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Chan Long Hei) HONG KONG — Japanese pop idol Kenshin Kamimura was found guilty of a charge of indecent assault on a female interpreter in a Hong Kong court Wednesday before some emotional fans. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account Kamimura, a former member of a Japanese boy group named ONE N' ONLY, was arrested in the southern Chinese city in March. In the same month, his contract was terminated due to a serious compliance violation. In April, he pleaded not guilty. He allegedly touched the interpreter's thigh repeatedly during a celebratory dinner at a restaurant. During the trial last month, the interpreter testified through a live video link that Kamimura had invited her to a bathroom elsewhere. After she dismissed the request and told him she had a boyfriend, Kamimura continued to touch her thigh, she said. The defense argued the interpreter exaggerated her claims and the alleged bathroom invitation might not have been based on improper motives. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Judge Peter Yu handed down the conviction Wednesday, saying Kamimura touched the intrepreter in a caressing nature that implicitly carried a sexual undertone and had indecent intent. 'The defendant's acts are obviously disrespectful toward women,' Yu said. 'Such behaviour should be condemned.' In pleading for a lesser penalty, the defense said Kamimura previously had a promising future and paid a heavy price. After the verdict was announced, a few of Kamimura's fans wept in the courtroom. But Kamimura looked relieved and hugged his courtroom translator when the judge issued a fine of 15,000 Hong Kong dollars (about $1,900) and no prison term. The maximum penalty for the charge is 10 years of imprisonment. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. The singer's supporters, including some from Japan and mainland China, formed long lines inside the court building to secure a seat in the main courtroom before the hearing. After the hearing, they waited outside to see Kamimura, who did not speak before leaving in a car. Others from mainland China who attended said they were not fans but wanted to learn more about the case, especially after seeing criticism of the female interpreter online. University student Betty Zhong from the Chinese city of Shenzhen said she was not a Kamimura fan but attended the court hearings in Hong Kong because a friend likes the J-pop idol and she wanted to know what happened. She said she was surprised Kamimura was charged during a visit to Hong Kong. 'News reports are not so comprehensive. When I come here, I can understand it holistically and the explanations from both sides,' she said. Kamimura also is an actor who appeared in several TV dramas including the boys' love series 'Our Youth' and the popular drama 'Ossan's Love Returns.' Love concerts, but can't make it to the venue? Stream live shows and events from your couch with VEEPS, a music-first streaming service now operating in Canada. Click here for an introductory offer of 30% off. Explore upcoming concerts and the extensive archive of past performances. Sunshine Girls Sunshine Girls Toronto Blue Jays Opinion Toronto & GTA
Winnipeg Free Press
2 days ago
- Winnipeg Free Press
Japanese pop idol Kenshin Kamimura convicted of indecent assault but avoids jail in Hong Kong
HONG KONG (AP) — Japanese pop idol Kenshin Kamimura was found guilty of a charge of indecent assault on a female interpreter in a Hong Kong court Wednesday before some emotional fans. Kamimura, a former member of a Japanese boy group named ONE N' ONLY, was arrested in the southern Chinese city in March. In the same month, his contract was terminated due to a serious compliance violation. In April, he pleaded not guilty. He allegedly touched the interpreter's thigh repeatedly during a celebratory dinner at a restaurant. During the trial last month, the interpreter testified through a live video link that Kamimura had invited her to a bathroom elsewhere. After she dismissed the request and told him she had a boyfriend, Kamimura continued to touch her thigh, she said. The defense argued the interpreter exaggerated her claims and the alleged bathroom invitation might not have been based on improper motives. Judge Peter Yu handed down the conviction Wednesday, saying Kamimura touched the intrepreter in a caressing nature that implicitly carried a sexual undertone and had indecent intent. After the verdict was announced, a few of Kamimura's fans wept in the courtroom. But Kamimura looked relieved when the judge issued a fine of 15,000 Hong Kong dollars (about $1,900) and no prison term. The maximum penalty for the charge is 10 years of imprisonment. Weekly A weekly look at what's happening in Winnipeg's arts and entertainment scene. The singer's supporters, including some from Japan and mainland China, formed long lines inside the court building to secure a seat in the main courtroom before the hearing. Others from mainland China who attended said they were not fans but wanted to learn more about the case, especially after seeing criticism of the female interpreter online. University student Betty Zhong from the Chinese city of Shenzhen said she was not a Kamimura fan but had attending the court hearings in Hong Kong because a friend likes the J-pop idol and she wanted to know what happened. She said she was surprised Kamimura was charged during a visit to Hong Kong. 'News reports are not so comprehensive. When I come here, I can understand it holistically and the explainations from both sides,' she said. Kamimura also is an actor who appeared in several TV dramas including the boys' love series 'Our Youth' and the popular drama 'Ossan's Love Returns.'
Cision Canada
3 days ago
- Cision Canada
GARDENS OF LIGHT - STEP INTO THE REALM OF LEGENDARY CREATURES
MONTRÉAL , Aug. 12, 2025 /CNW/ - Espace pour la vie invites you to enjoy an immersive, poetic experience as the Jardin botanique again presents Gardens of Light—one of Montréal's signature fall events. From August 29 to November 2 , the site's three cultural gardens will be brilliantly illuminated come sunset, revealing the fantastical beings hidden within. Between heaven and earth This year, the Chinese Garden presents a captivating new creation inspired by the Shan Hai Jing (Classic of Mountains and Seas), a cornerstone of Chinese mythology. Hundreds of traditional lanterns will immerse visitors in a mythical universe where the celestial goddess Xiwangmu gathers with legendary creatures around the Jianmu, the sacred tree that connects heaven and earth. On Dream Lake, yin and yang find balance, and every spirit reveals its fantastical essence—a poetic tableau celebrating the timeless harmony between living beings and nature. Yûgen* - Japanese Universe is a beautiful homage to Japan's islands and mountains, visually recreated or evoked through the plant life of the Japanese Garden. In the heart of the pine grove, a monumental projection drawing on Japanese cultural elements brings the garden brilliantly to life: birds seem to take flight across the rocks, fish emerge from the foliage and mountains rise on the waterfall wall. All is set to the captivating sound of a flute that enchants evening visitors. *Yûgen means a profound, mysterious kind of beauty. The illuminated path through the First Nations Garden beckons you on an immersive, poetic journey into the circle of life. Listen closely and you may hear the gentle flutter of wings or the distinctive sound of a caribou rubbing its antlers against a tree trunk. As you walk, you'll be carried along by the voice of Innu poet Joséphine Bacon and the songs of Moe Clark . A Canadian first For the first time in Canada , the art studio Daily tous les jours is installing one of its creations at the Jardin botanique. Salut les arbres invites visitors to record a message—a wish for the trees. Your words then begin a slow journey through large luminous arches, gradually transforming into music. You're encouraged to slow down and look up, experiencing nature in a new light. Timed-entry tickets Due to popular demand, timed-entry tickets are now essential for these events. To make the most of your experience, you'll need to select a specific time slot for your visit when purchasing tickets. You can then explore the Jardin botanique's three cultural gardens at your own pace. The ticket also includes access to the rest of the Jardin botanique, which can be visited at any time on the same day. Tickets and schedule: La Presse is a proud partner of the Gardens of Light event About Espace pour la vie Protecting biodiversity and the environment is at the heart of the mission of Espace pour la vie, which is made up of the Biodôme, Biosphère, Insectarium, Jardin botanique and Planétarium. Together these Montréal museums form Canada's largest natural science museum complex, welcoming over 2.5 million visitors each year. In light of the challenges our planet is facing, Espace pour la vie is working to increase its impact by fostering dialogue with communities and taking actions aimed at mobilizing the public behind the socio-ecological transition. Press kit and images SOURCE Espace pour la vie Montreal INFORMATION: Chloé Rossi, Roy & Turner Communications, 514-652-6478, [email protected]; Anne Bourgoin, Espace pour la vie, 438-346-0542, [email protected]
