Ozymandias was a monumental, metal head that emerged from the playa, giving the impression that a full statue may be buried somewhere deep within the earth. Ozymandias is the Ancient Greek name for Pharaoh Ramses and the piece itself is symbolic of the cyclical rise and fall of rulers.
Ozymandias was constructed using segments of aluminum tube, which were welded together in a tessellated pattern to form the shape of the head. The main light feature was an illuminated crown that sits low on the head, nearly covering the eyes.
The organic, geometric forms created by the aluminum tubes produced a unique shadow pattern on the earth. The tubes also served as easy hand and footholds that citizens of Black Rock City used to climb on the sculpture and enjoy a different view of the playa.
Sadly, Ozymandias was vandalized and the majority of it was stolen while in storage for the RTIA show at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center. We have filed a police report and are still responding to the situation.
