Singularity Burn
SINGULARITY- (1.) a point at which the derivative of a given function of a complex variable does not exist but every neighborhood of which contains points for which the derivative exists. (2.) a point or region of infinite mass density at which space and time are infinitely distorted by gravitational forces and which is held to be the final state of matter falling into a black hole. (3.) a technological singularity represents an "event horizon" in the predictability of human technological development past which prediction models cease to give reliable or accurate answers, following the creation of strong artificial intelligence or the amplification of human intelligence.
The SINGULARITY burn was a community event produced jointly by the Las Vegas and Los Angeles Burning Man regional groups. Like a vortex between twin stars, it drew some of the most creative burners to a dry lake bed near Prim, Nevada during the middle of May, 2006. The playa at Roach Lake is coarser, darker and more hard-packed than Black Rock, but it smells and tastes the same. At night, the casino lights and neon in Prim reminded me of Black Rock City when viewed from Gerlach. With a first year population of 695, Singularity proved that Burning Man can exist in two places. It was a comparatively small camp with only two ring roads versus Black Rock City's nine. Everything was more compact and closer together. The Community Center was a simple shade structure furnished with folding chairs, and with a touch of irony, each one stenciled with "MASONIC TEMPLE" on the back.
There were a little more than a dozen theme camps at this initial event. Live Area provided a main stage with a sound system and was the hub of much social activity. Apokiliptika was an 18' dome dedicated to cigar-smoking "friends of Fidel" and decorated in a neo-soviet, fascist chic decor. The Almighty Mutant Orangutans Tribe had erected several large structures to house it's 50 members. The Porno Pyro Pirates played out a popular and still amusing theme. Past Passion proved that the integration of frat boy culture is still developing, when a group of toga-clad students attached a beer logo shade structure to their RV in a genuine and sincere effort to fit in. The Vortex was a mysterious camp which never seemed to have anyone there, just a large box with a door, which I somehow never managed to go into. The Black Hole Bar, a 4-year veteran of BRC, was a popular little spot after the burn.
Several camps were dedicated to food and drink. PlayaQ was a performance art BBQ and gourmet dining experience, which produced an exotic variety of barbecued meat each day. Strange Brew served up coffee & tea as a public service. The Soup Kitchen generously dispensed bowls of hot soup to anyone who passed by. Kate's House of Obscene Pancakes served up a sweet breakfast on Saturday morning.
City services were provided by a coalition of seasoned burners. The Rangers had a strong presence and remained on duty throughout the event. A contingent of Lamplighters from Bullhead City, AZ kept the streets lit at night. In fact, there were a lot of participants from Bullhead City... I think it has something to do with the desert and the mysterious lights and them aliens. Bullhead City is also the setting for a cult classic film that includes one of my favorite lines: "You'll find one of these in every car."
On Saturday night "The Icon" burned. The Icon was in the form of a Baobab Tree, which is found near the equator in Africa and India. This tree can live for thousands of years. Known as "the tree of life" in African culture, it is leafless 9 months of the year. At Singularity, participants attached leaves in the form of messages to the icon just before it was burned.
The City of Lost Angels and Sin City came together to form a temporary community in the desert. Singularity was like Burning Man in 1994 (except for the glow sticks).
Cameron Grant &
Delicious Malicious
at the Icon
May 15, 2006