Franzi Ponzi and the Homo Erectors are so happy to introduce 'Lookout!', a 48-foot tall fire watchtower obliquely disguised as a giant fire extinguisher. Partially funded through Burning Man's honoraria grant system, we need your help to bring this thing to life in its full and immense glory!
'Lookout!' is fully traversable and features interactive and thought-provoking elements throughout. Use the mounted viewfinders atop the catwalk to spot the burn decks we have positioned at the cardinal directions on playa, or to pick out your next deep-playa art piece destination. Those burn decks will not only orient those in the tower to their place in this world but will also offer a warm and glowing refuge to dusty bike-riders in the dark of night. Inside the tower explore the well-used lodging of the one chosen to stand as the watcher - they who guard our land against fiery foe - or familiarize yourself with the playa and surrounding area on our custom Osborne Fire Finder.
Lookout! is designed to invite both play and reflection, exploring the contradictory urges to light fires for celebration and to fight fires to protect ourselves and our communities from the dangers of the uncontrolled flames that threaten the world around us. By taking something mundane and making it larger than life, we hope to draw people in and invite them to reflect on the dichotomy of safely existing in a desert while aspects of the world burn around us. We believe we have a responsibility and duty to stay vigilant about our roles and relationships to all that we can see from atop our towers.
The funds raised here will allow us to construct 'Lookout!' at its intended 48-foot height, expand on its interactivity, and ensure we have the proper, usable materials for every aspect of the build. Ever wondered what its like to activate a functional 48’ tall fire extinguisher?? Help us build it! Your support will also help us transport the piece to and from Burning Man and provide for the safety and well-being of our artists and builders while on playa. We are still in the process of filling out our build crew, both on and off playa, and every contribution helps us create a safe, inspiring, and unforgettable experience for everyone involved.
It is amazing to have started with the funding that Burning Man gave us, but the true vision of this piece requires more. We are dedicated to community and trust in our ability to be supported by that community to which we give back. This is the first piece Franzi Ponzi and the Homo Erectors have helmed to bring to playa, so any amount of love and support will go far in making sure we pull this off perfectly and can continue to plan and construct our future Burning Man art.