Latest news with #BurningMan2024
San Francisco Chronicle
21-07-2025
- Entertainment
- San Francisco Chronicle
A giant sea serpent sculpture has arrived in Golden Gate Park. Here's an early look
Hannah Macauley and Alex Zaldastani were walking their mutt Ruby through Golden Gate Park on Sunday morning when out of the mist came their favorite memory from Burning Man 2024. There, resting in a dry lake bottom along the JFK Drive pedestrian promenade was Naga, the 100-foot sea serpent that had been a highlight on the playa. 'I thought we'd never see it again,' said Macauley, who was so shocked at the sight that she had to stop her walk and join a crowd of gathered admirers. 'That's the most magical thing about San Francisco. You are out walking and you stumble upon your favorite things.' Sometime this week it will get more magical than it was in the Nevada desert because Rainbow Falls, the 50-foot manufactured waterfall that has been turned off during the installation, will be activated to pour water down and fill in the pond where Naga sits. After a grand opening Saturday featuring bubbles and mermaids, it will have a night lighting ceremony on July 28. The sculpture, at the western end of the promenade, just uphill from Transverse Drive, will be the payoff for making the trek downhill from the de Young Museum. 'The park is our favorite city escape, and the dragon will make it more so,' said James Mitchell of the Outer Sunset, who has been watching its progress by riding his bike through with his sons, Jay, 4, and Theodore, 2, in a covered wagon. On Sunday the progress was far enough along that they stopped and all three dismounted, with the two boys immediately headed toward the dry lakebed. 'The dragon is not to play on,' Mitchell scolded the boys while allowing them to climb the hillside at the dragon's tail to get an overview. 'It's going to be super cool when they put the water back,' he said. Even with its concrete base fully exposed, the spectacle was cool enough to cause a foot- traffic backup during AIDS Walk San Francisco as people posed for group photos and selfies. 'Kind of like the Loch Ness Monster, with lights,' is how Richmond resident Francine Prophet described it. Even the firefighters from Station 23 in the Sunset came roaring up in their engine to stop, get out of the truck and take a look. 'A waterfall with this thing, that's going to be awesome,' said Mike Crehan of Station 23. 'What's going to come out of the tail? I hope it's not fire.' The artist, Cjay Roughgarden, 41, of Richmond, likes that idea, 'but the permits for that would have been impossible,' she said Sunday afternoon while adding scales at the water line to ensure that the concrete foundation will be invisible. She also noted that dragons, not serpents, deal in fire, a common mistake. 'Sea serpents don't breathe fire, they blow bubbles out of their nose, obviously.' Roughgarden, who owns a metal fabrication shop called Element 26 at Seaport Studios in Richmond, took a year off work to dedicate herself to the construction of Naga, which is named after a species of mythical Southeast Asian protectors. It is assembled from five separate humps, each made of a steel frame and mesh, covered by aluminum scales painted teal, in eco-friendly paint. Each scale was hand-shaped, more than 5,000 by a small navy of volunteers, more than 250 people in all. The serpent, which took three years end to end, was paid for by Roughgarden's credit card. She estimates the total bill at $350,000, 'but if we had paid everyone it would have been like $2 million.' Burning Man was Ben Davis, founder of the public art organization Illuminate, saw a rendering of 'Naga' at a cocktail party and immediately knew it would work in the park. He brought it to the attention of Rec and Park General Manager Phil Ginsburg, who greenlighted it for the greenish pond before it was even built. Illuminate helped raise funds and is the presenter of all the temporary public art on the Golden Mile of JFK Drive, where it is closed to auto traffic. After its premiere at Burning Man, it became the largest public art installation in the history of Golden Gate Park, said Davis, who has been doing art in the park since the Summer of Love 50th anniversary psychedelic light show in 2017. "With its dazzling lights and larger-than-life scale, Naga is a breathtaking work of art — and Rainbow Falls is the perfect home for it,' Ginsburg said, noting that it is the largest art installation on the JFK Promenade. 'Public art is meant to inspire connection and spark conversation, and thanks to our partners, this installation is certainly accomplishing that.' The conversation will not be complete until a second part of the installation is completed this fall — a shipwreck to be built off to the side. The shipwreck's fundraising is ongoing in hopes it will be installed in October by Stephanie Shipman (yes, it is a namephreak) and Jacqulyn Scott. The goal is $250,000. The title of the work in totality is 'Naga & the Captainess,' and it is a complicated story, worthy of a graphic novel that Roughgarden has in mind. 'Naga is friendly, but he'll sink your ship if you're doing the wrong thing, like a good protector does,' she explained. 'I hope he helps bring back some of the spirit of the old San Francisco, to help people step out of the mundane.' It worked for Beth Ludwig and Margaret Campos, who drove in from Walnut Creek after reading about Naga on social media. 'We like seeing the sculptures from Burning Man around the Bay Area,' said Ludwig, who was only mildly disappointed to find the artwork uncompleted. 'We'll come back,' she said. 'A lot.'
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Cultural context is key to understanding the changes happening for women in Saudi Arabia
In today's CEO Daily: Diane Brady on the opportunities and challenges facing women in Saudi Arabia. The big story: Elon Musk reaffirms his commitment to Tesla. The markets: Trump tariffs hit Japan. Analyst notes from Oxford Economics and Pantheon. Plus: All the news and watercooler chat from Fortune. Good morning again from Riyadh, where Goldman Sachs Wealth Management CIO Sharmin Mossavar-Rahmani said yesterday that she's noticed emotions having an outsized impact on investment strategy, with a growing behavioral divide between Republicans and Democrats. As Republicans invest, Democrats hold back—sometimes within the same family. Call your advisor. There's also an emotional component to the Fortune Most Powerful Women International Summit that wraps up here today. Change is coming fast and furious to the ancient culture of Saudi Arabia, and that's unlocking opportunities and some challenges that few ever expected to see. I'm meeting many women in leadership roles that didn't exist a few years ago or were always held by men. They're eager to find partners, role models and friends. The speed has surprised Lubna Olayan, a 12-time MPW honoree who's broken barriers throughout her career: 'I truly wasn't expecting that we would be where we are.' H.E. Dr. Hala Al-Tuwaijri, the first woman to lead the Saudi Arabia Human Rights Commission, illuminated the importance of understanding cultural context. 'We received a lot of harsh criticism on segregating schools but actually those of us who come from this part of the world know that if schools were mixed, many conservative families would not have sent their girls to school in the first place. Many of the educated women you see today, including myself, would not be sitting here because our families back then would not have accepted the fact that we'll be sitting next to boys in high schools.' That's food for thought. So, too, is the interactive art installation at the summit. Designed by artist and entrepreneur Caroline Ghosn, who also created the Burning Man 2024 temple, it's a prism on which attendees have written nuggets of wisdom. Wisdom was certainly on display as Fortune editor in chief Alyson Shontell interviewed Julie Sweet, chair and CEO of Accenture and #2 on Fortune's 2025 list of the 100 Most Powerful Women in Business. 'When I joined Accenture in 2010 as the general counsel, I didn't know what a CIO [chief information officer] was. I came from a law firm. We didn't have such a thing. We didn't use technology. I'm old enough to remember when we didn't have the internet. I share with you where I was in 2010 because anyone can learn these skills. At 42, most of the skills that matter today I didn't have. Fifteen years later, I have them.' More news CEO Daily via Diane Brady at This story was originally featured on
Associated Press
12-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Associated Press
Mona He Leads Groundbreaking Art Installation, Setting Stage for Burning Man 2025
Chinese artist Mona He made history at Burning Man 2024 as the first female Chinese honoraria recipient of the large-scale event, leading a team of over 70 artists, engineers, and creatives in bringing to life Mona Mushroom—an ambitious fusion of sculpture, technology, and performance that captivated 70,000 attendees with its scale and interactivity. 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 support at 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: Press Release Distributed by To view the original version on ABNewswire visit: Mona He Leads Groundbreaking Art Installation, Setting Stage for Burning Man 2025
Globe and Mail
11-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Globe and Mail
Mona He Leads Groundbreaking Art Installation, Setting Stage for Burning Man 2025
Chinese artist Mona He made history at Burning Man 2024 as the first female Chinese honoraria recipient of the large-scale event, leading a team of over 70 artists, engineers, and creatives in bringing to life Mona Mushroom—an ambitious fusion of sculpture, technology, and performance that captivated 70,000 attendees with its scale and interactivity. 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 support at 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:
