Burning Man 2023 is fast approaching and an exciting new art installation called the Complexahedron needs all the support it can get to ensure its week long residence at this most extraordinary of events.
About the Project
Rising over 20 feet above the playa, The Complexahedron is an experiment in the interactions between the faces, edges, and vertices of 55 fractalizing hexahedrons. Three sculpted figures surround the structure symbolizing different branches of animal evolution. A meeting of geometric perfection and figurative storytelling, the Complexahedron offers diverse ways of perceiving and experiencing the installation.
Showcasing the deceivingly simple cube's potential for complexity, the structure's unique geometry can be observed from multiple perspectives. Both the interior and exterior display their own unique character and different energies. Seating throughout the lower and upper cubes allows for comfortable reflection and meditation while appreciating the installation's inverted geometric forms. Ascending the central, climbable spire through the triangular threshold and into the second level sanctum reveals the beating heart of the Complexahedron, a suspended complex of tetrahedrons whose vertices align perfectly with those of the cube surrounding it.
A calm refuge from the intensity of the desert heat by day and a lively, energetic gathering place by night. The Complexahedron has something for everyone and we look forward to this shared experience with all who care to admire, enjoy, and contribute to this project.
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Who We Are
The Complexahedron crew is rooted in Sonoma County, California and lead by Kelly Davison. Always creative, he spent years pursuing adventure and a love of nature before refocusing that creativity on painting and woodworking. A few years back Kelly, a carpenter by trade, decided to dive into the study and practice of geometry. What emerged was a fascination with polyhedrons. Endless tinkering in the wood shop culminated in the design of the Complexahedron’s structure. Inspired to no end by the powerful creative force of the Burning Man experience, this will be his first time designing and leading a project of this kind for the event.
Contributing to this project is sculptor Henry Washer, who will create three statues that will accompany the installation. He was the lead artist of The Monument of Indecision, a 2018 project that started the working relationship between the two.
What We Need, What You Get, and How to Help
In order to ensure the highest quality of the Complexahedron experience, we have determined that a $15,000 fundraising goal is needed to cover the cost of lumber, hardware, lighting, the casting and finishing of the sculptures, and finally, transportation and equipment rentals. This being an entirely community funded project, any size donation will be greatly appreciated.
To celebrate your contribution in making this dream realized we will have various perks available to donors ranging from stickers and pins to t-shirts and pendants all the way up to scale model sculptures of the Complexahedron itself.
We totally understand that not everyone is able to donate monetarily, but that is not the only way to support the project and get involved. Spreading the word is critically important as well. Through social media, word of mouth, or any other means, please help get the word out to others who may be interested and outside of our immediate circle. Also, if you live in the Petaluma area and would like to help with the construction and promotion of the project, everyone is welcome to contribute.
The Bigger Picture
There's more to this than donating to an art project. This is a community project that inspires people and draws them together to bring out the best in each of them. It's about setting a challenging goal and forming a team to realize what may not have otherwise seemed possible. The experiences gained through these types of projects are invaluable to all aspects of life. New skills are learned, relationships are formed, boundaries are pushed, and lives are enriched. Creating this dynamic space for hard work, creativity, and community is what a donation to the Complexahedron goes toward and we thank you so much for your support.
