We all want life to run smoothly, yet Burning Man participants understand that the unexpected can happen, requiring creativity and careful preparation. Our Black Cloud symbolizes the many threats—from global crises to personal obstacles—that often remain unspoken or unnoticed until they're suddenly at our doorstep. By giving these looming perils a tangible, physical form, we hope to spark honest conversations about how to address them before they become overwhelming. Whether thinking of the COVID pandemic or the war in Ukraine (which began in 2014), acknowledging threats is the first step in transforming them. Although the cloud warns of instability, it also offers a gathering point where we can find camaraderie, and hope—reminding us that, together, we can adapt, resist, and shape a better future.
< Back to search results

Black Cloud by Ukrainian ART Group

Photo by: Dan Adams

Year: 2025

Image Caption: 

We all want life to run smoothly, yet Burning Man participants understand that the unexpected can happen, requiring creativity and careful preparation. Our Black Cloud symbolizes the many threats—from global crises to personal obstacles—that often remain unspoken or unnoticed until they're suddenly at our doorstep. By giving these looming perils a tangible, physical form, we hope to spark honest conversations about how to address them before they become overwhelming. Whether thinking of the COVID pandemic or the war in Ukraine (which began in 2014), acknowledging threats is the first step in transforming them. Although the cloud warns of instability, it also offers a gathering point where we can find camaraderie, and hope—reminding us that, together, we can adapt, resist, and shape a better future.

Collections