Apogaea is excited to announce the winners of the 2024 seed money grant round! Read on for more… and KEEP MAKING ART!
Tiny Labyrinths: A Pocket-Sized World Mulling Man’s Search for Meaning
Allison Todd
Tiny Labyrinths is a series of dioramas that reflect on the complexity of the human experience and the labyrinth-like journey each of us take finding our role within the larger world.
Tiny Labyrinths is a series of dioramas that reflect on the complexity of the human experience and the labyrinth-like journey each of us take finding our role within the larger world. This exploration is depicted through a curated book display along with three miniature scenes housed in a bookcase: a cityscape, a mystical library, and a forest setting. These themes are further elaborated on via the “journey of the hero” archetype often referenced in pop culture. Participants are invited to engage in these “scenes-within-a-scene” by stepping into a fantastical library portal. Things are not always what they seem in this installation; you can’t take anything for granted. Ultimately, my goal is for people to walk away with a renewed sense of whimsy and imagination, and possibly a deeper introspection as to their unique purpose in the grand scheme of things.
Zagolith
Evan Beloni
Zagolith is a magical monolithic sculpture series inspired by my exploration into the combination of mild and stainless steels.
Zagolith is a magical monolithic sculpture series inspired by my exploration into the combination of mild and stainless steels. The dissimilarity of these materials that bond metallurgically can represent the unity of our community comprised of diverse individuals. The original Zagolith sculptures appeared at Burning Man '22 and now live at Arvada Center. This new design is inspired by the concept of the original but is an entirely new geometry.
Toad-Ally Totems
Stacey Lane
Imagine you are in the safari looking for the magical JuJu Manji. When off in the distance you see these weird, bright colored heads hoisted up on sticks.
Imagine you are in the safari looking for the magical JuJu Manji. When off in the distance you see these weird, bright colored heads hoisted up on sticks. Have you found the famous headhunters village you were warned to stay away from? No, it's Toad-Ally Totems, the entrance to JuJu Manji.
The JuJu Manji entrance will feature 6-8 totem poles with surreal head art created by the members of this high vibe, fire and art tribe. These totem poles tell a story of our clan and act to welcome new people into the community. Toad-Ally Totems act as guardians, the keepers of the land and its peoples. They represent the clans kinship with animals and the supernatural forces of creation.
The Mad Juju Hare
CJ Hendrickson + Candice Clark
Willkommen to an absurdist creation in the illusory world of Camp Juju Manji! Hop off the bus and stroll through Toad-Ally, full of Totems large and small and go down the rabbit hole to the backwards logic of The Mad Juju Hare!
Willkommen to an absurdist creation in the illusory world of Camp Juju Manji! Hop off the bus and stroll through Toad-Ally, full of Totems large and small and go down the rabbit hole to the backwards logic of The Mad Juju Hare! This 9’ tall funny bunny is a sight fur sore eyes and will give you a new perspective on existence.
CJ Hendrickson is a Denver artist & linguist, who incorporates language-based imagery and deliciously rich hues into her dreamlike works.
Candice Clark is a corporate vagabond, supporter of the arts, lover of lights, and the funding and build coordinator on this project.
Creature Adoption Station
Cosmic Cat
While on a surreal safari, you might encounter some unique animals who are looking for a home. We would like to invite you to the Creature Adoption Station!
While on a surreal safari, you might encounter some unique animals who are looking for a home. We would like to invite you to the Creature Adoption Station! Let our dedicated adoption team match you with the perfect (plushie) friend to call your own. There's no adoption fee! We also offer a photography service! Adopt a creature, and get a commemorative polaroid of you and your one-of-a-kind pal. We can't wait to see you there!
Dali Llamanade Station
Megan Schaefer
Like a mirage on the horizon, the Llamanade station appears from thin air.
Like a mirage on the horizon, the Llamanade station appears from thin air. Meet our pair of mosaic mirror guardians who provide a spot to rest while visiting from their dream realm. Come by, say hi and grab a glass from our assortment of fruited lemonades and continue on your adventure!
Rammin' your Ramen
Stefi Schraeder
Rammin' your Ramen is a creative art cart installation that simulates old school street food carts, serving delicious ramen. Saving lives one bowl at a time.
Rammin' your Ramen is a creative art cart installation that simulates old school street food carts, serving delicious ramen. Saving lives one bowl at a time.
You can find us next to the interactive theme camp Ramen your Rodeo, located at the burn field. Ramen will be served on Thursday and Friday (and/or Saturday?!) from 10:00 pm - 1:00am. Come dressed as your best creative self and enjoy some ramen at the Red Hot Rodeo.
Honey Pot: A Fire Ceiling
Steve Powers
Come roast yourself to perfection in a giant cargo net full of new friends. Roll on into the net, lay back, and enjoy swirls of flames dancing as they burn into themselves above your head.
Come roast yourself to perfection in a giant cargo net full of new friends. Roll on into the net, lay back, and enjoy swirls of flames dancing as they burn into themselves above your head. Kids are especially welcome just after sunset for a very informal family hour!
The Bestagons
Bhavana Jonnalagadda
Hexagons are just the bestagons; they’re elegant, mathematically beautiful shapes found reoccurring in both the deepest recesses of geometrical theory and in the natural world.
Hexagons are just the bestagons; they’re elegant, mathematically beautiful shapes found reoccurring in both the deepest recesses of geometrical theory and in the natural world. The Bestagons is a pulsing vibrant spiderweb of hexagons, in the corner, ceiling, or draped around a tree, showcasing the majesty of organic hexagons. It is a large LED draping lattice, in the shape of organic hexagons that start large near the top and become smaller till they reach eye level, where there will be embedded LED infinity mirrors (also in the shape of hexagons). It will be approximately 10 feet wide to 5 feet tall, powered by outlet/generator, and be loose enough to be draped over tree branches (or hung up on a wall or canopy). It will use addressable LEDs that will be able to show beautiful patterns, and be noise responsive. It will have silicone tubing with 3D printed connectors that cover the entire project, making it waterproof (enough for rain at least). This will be an elegant yet natural-feeling work of art that will attract the eye as one passes it by (especially due to the nature of infinity mirrors).With a pulsing and patterned light hexagonal lattice making clever use of a 3D space, and embedded infinity mirrors hypnotizing the eye, I believe this artwork will be a lovely benefit to Apogaea.
The Sharks Kiss
Collin Dunn
The Sharks Kiss is an LED sculpture featuring two geometric sharks locked in a kiss over a heart, inspired by the creators' relationship - "Domestic Sharkners."
The Sharks Kiss is an LED sculpture featuring two geometric sharks locked in a kiss over a heart, inspired by the creators' relationship - "Domestic Sharkners." The piece aims to counterbalance the cynicism often present in burner culture, providing a nurturing and centering space amidst the mentally draining environment of burns. Serving as a centerpiece for introspection and reset, come immerse yourself in the atmospheric lighting and tranquil vibes of The Sharks Kiss.
Slime the Corporate Ladder
Mitch Giraffe
Slime Corp invites new and current employees to Slime their way to the middle!
Slime Corp invites new and current employees to Slime their way to the middle! Our glowing, drippy steel ladder with an automated lifting system will allow you to rise through the slimy corporate ranks before being dropped off the end of the ladder to enjoy your slimy retirement!
Zelusion
Brenden Berg
What is seen and what is not seen is the core basis of this project, from afar all you will see and wonder is what might be those shapes be arranged in such a peculiar way.
What is seen and what is not seen is the core basis of this project, from afar all you will see and wonder is what might be those shapes be arranged in such a peculiar way. However, as you get closer the abstract reality sets in and you realize what all the individual shapes make up.
Taste of Whirl of Art
Anna Frolov
Experience a preview of our communal art project Whirl of Art destined for Burning Man 2025.
Experience a preview of our communal art project Whirl of Art destined for Burning Man 2025 – one of the 5 kinetic sculptures powered by a merry-go-round, with local artists' work showcased in galleries hidden inside the sculpture base.
Late Night Price Is Right: 0.5k “Race” for the Cure for the Common Hangover
Harry Merkin + Dead Horse Productions
Late Nite Price is Rite is quitting game shows in 2024. We’ve lost weight, deleted Facebook, and now we’re hitting the gym.
Late Nite Price is Rite is quitting game shows in 2024. We’ve lost weight, deleted Facebook, and now we’re hitting the gym. Come join us at sunrise (that’s tequila sunrise), 10:30 am-ish on Saturday, for Apogaea’s first 0.5k “Marathong.” In LNPiR’s gameshow aesthetic, everyone can “race” in one of our “race” heats: The Drag Race*, The Presidential Race, The Backwards and Upside Down Race, or The Pub Crawl. “Runners” will “race” starting and ending at the Glitter Chicken’s camp while completing tasks imagined by the emotionally stunted LNPiR writing staff. All participants and onlookers can relax at the finish line with breakfast beverages, prizes for winners, and fresh, fried donuts.
.001% of all proceeds go to your mom’s biannual vaginoplasty.
*Drag Race participants must wear their boots or heels to run.
*Inner Jungle Comes Out 2 Play* DICE Stage
Dairdre Scriven + DICE Crew
DICE will create a small stage, backed by a wall of stuffed animals and psychedelic cellophane curtains, to host events and workshops that highlight the voices, art and experiences of minority burners.
DICE will create a small stage, backed by a wall of stuffed animals and psychedelic cellophane curtains, to host events and workshops that highlight the voices, art and experiences of minority burners. Diversity, Inclusion, Consent, and Equity are sometimes challenging subjects to play with in our brains, especially at a burn. The DICE Department will create an inviting, theme-specific and beautiful performance and workshop stage space to integrate more physical comfort, performance and fun into the sometimes difficult work we do at Apogaea. Filled with cuddly jungle animals, colorful lights and comfy seating, the Inner Jungle Stage will be a stuffed animal spectacular that invites folx in as they enter the burn circle neighborhood.
Fiber Forest
Rachel Fish
The Surreal Safari is living up to its name in the FIBER FOREST. Four glowing palm trees with color changing trunks and glowing fiber optic leaves surround a screen with projection mapped forest-themed visuals.
The Surreal Safari is living up to its name in the FIBER FOREST. Four glowing palm trees with color changing trunks and glowing fiber optic leaves surround a screen with projection mapped forest-themed visuals. Curious explorers who wander into this art project will find themselves on a comfortable couch surrounded by intense visual and auditory psychedelic simulations of a jungle forest. Participants can use a control panel to add layers, textures, and animations onto the wall with morphing colors.