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In the early hours of the morning on Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023 a powerful symbol of Ukrainian rebirth, titled “Phoenix,” was unveiled at the annual Burning Man arts festival in Nevada’s Black Rock Desert. The installation, initially appearing as a 26-foot-tall wooden box, was set ablaze at 3 a.m. As the wooden box turned to ash, a stunning sculpture of a Phoenix, resembling the Ukrainian “tryzub” trident on the nation’s coat of arms, emerged from the flames, presenting a profound symbol of Ukraine's indomitable spirit in the face of adversity.
Several days before that, this 26-foot-tall wooden box appeared on the festival grounds that is identical to those erected around landmarks and monuments in the nation of Ukraine as Russian bombardments continue to threaten some of Ukraine’s most beloved cultural artifacts. Festival goers were invited to write their own messages on the box alongside the inscription "Born through the ashes stronger than ever before." As the flames were lit, a Ukrainian soundscape was played over loudspeakers that included Ukrainian music, the sounds of Ukrainian cities and the thunder of artillery. The burn embodied the transformation of the Ukrainian identity as it is rebuilt and reborn from the ashes of the battlefront. The fiery display captivated the audience, evoking a powerful emotional response and sparking conversations about the resilience of nations through their peoples’ enduring spirits.
The installation is the work of UA Resistance Foundation and Phoenix Project, a coalition of Ukrainians from two continents, led by artists Oleksiy Sai and Bohdana Kosmina. The idea for the project came from Vitaliy Deynega, founder of the "Come Back Alive" fund for Ukrainian veterans and the "Ukrainian Witness" media project.
“Phoenix Project extends its deepest gratitude to the Burning Man organizers and the entire Black Rock City community for the opportunity to share this profound symbol with the world,” said UA Resistance CEO and Project Manager Ellen Lopatkina. “Through the support and collaboration of individuals and organizations alike, ‘Phoenix’ will carry its transformative message far beyond the Playa.”
The Burning Man art festival, renowned for its celebration of creativity, self-expression, and community, provided an ideal platform for "Phoenix" to touch the hearts of thousands of attendees from around the world. This art installation, in the middle of the harsh Nevada desert, served as a beacon of hope, not only for Ukrainians but for all those yearning to break free, reminding them that the path to freedom is forged through fire.
