The Moonlight Library by The Moonlight Collective from San Francisco, CA & Seattle, WA: the 40-feet wide, 34-feet deep, and approximately 27-feet tall, two-story structure, haunted remains of an ancient cosmic library. A romantic ruin only partially standing, eerie and windswept. Bookshelves filled with weathered books lined the walls. Prominent columns and tall arches added to the air of mystery and grandeur, and tall ladders helped reach the upper level. A haunting ambient soundscape played, with fragments of the stories
@the.moonlight.collective collected in their 2022/2023 piece #ThePrairieOfPossibilities mixed in. The structure was lit dimly with simulated candles and torches that flickered and interactively responded to the soundscape.
Here’s what lead artist
@gwertzman wrote about the piece's philosophy: "The Ruined Library" explores the interconnectedness of humanity through the metaphor of a decaying library. Each weathered book represents a personal story, revealing universal themes of happiness, sadness, fear, or anger. Despite the broken walls and roof, the towering shelves and open sky symbolize resilience and the enduring power of shared knowledge. Viewers are invited to wander through the ruins, discovering stories that transcend differences, reminding us that beneath our unique covers, we share the same human essence. The crumbling structure is intentional, and highlights the fragility of connections and the persistence of the human spirit. This work challenges us to reflect on our stories, empathize with others, and see ourselves as part of a collective narrative. It asks: if we are all books in the same library, why do we build walls that divide us? "The Ruined Library" is a call to unity and a celebration of our shared humanity.” (note the different name in the proposal…)
Such a pleasure working with James and his wonderful team. I can’t wait to see what they will come up with next ;)
Photos/videos:
@redpilotphotography (1);
@angelerzz (2); #DuncanRawlinson (3,8,13);
@jo_seitz (4);
@michaelhwhitten (5); #DanAdams via gallery.burningman.org (6,12 - a beautiful shot of
@murrayhidary ‘s performance);
@gwertzman (7,11);
@georgeppost (9);...
![Forty years ago, on the summer solstice, an effigy was set aflame on Baker Beach.A simple act became a ritual.The ritual became a culture, where we explored how we gather, revel, and grieve.This June at Fly Ranch, we’re coming together for the BWB Solstice Summit, to more deeply explore the theme of 'Living Ritual'A space to share skills, offer what we can, and celebrate what connects us.Come learn. Come serve. Come celebrate.Come be part of the ritual.[invite link in bio]](https://sp1.picnob.com/p/pt_6739701671283963465311_0_1657fc79f97fa0585ac04e38585480cd.jpg?o=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&h=8b99e1391165b7822d08c646942b4e08)
