An evolving collective art project for Burning Man 2027 and beyond
A Slavic Talisman of Wishes
An evolving, monumental art installation inspired by Slavic mythology, ancestral traditions and the transformative power of creation
ROOTS & MYTH
New Creation - Ancient Traditions
Rusalka
In Slavic mythology, Rusalka is a mysterious feminine spirit associated with water, nature and the untamed forces of life.
She emerges in the desert as a symbol of feminine creative power.
Where water gives birth to life, imagination gives birth to form.
Inspired by Burning Man 2027's theme, Spellbound, she invites us to rediscover the magic of creation.
Russian Protection Dolls
The Wild Rusalka draws equally from the tradition of Slavic protective rag dolls -faceless figures made from simple fabrics, carrying symbolic meaning, wishes and intentions.
EXPERIENCE
Inside a Living Myth
SOUND
Listen to Her Voice
Small bells and wind-activated sound elements suspended inside the dome create a delicate, ever-changing melody.
Rusalka has no recorded soundtrack: the wind gives her a voice.
MOVEMENT
Feel the Wind
Step beneath Rusalka's enormous flowing skirt.
All around you, layers of fabric dance in the desert wind.
Her body is never still - nature continuously brings her to life.
LIGHT
Discover Her at Night
As darkness falls, soft integrated lights illuminate her from within, transforming the giant figure into a mysterious, glowing water spirit.
Fabrics, shadows and movement create an entirely different nighttime experience.
RITUAL
Give Your Wish a Form
Choose a hanging ribbon, hold a dream or intention in your mind, and tie a knot.
This simple gesture, inspired by ancestral traditions, turns something invisible into a tangible first act of creation.
Each knot becomes part of Rusalka's evolving body.
MATERIALS & MAKING
Re-developing Traditions Through Contemporary Design
STRUCTURE
SIMPLE & RESILIENT
An open, lightweight dome inspired by traditional construction.
DESERT-READY
Designed to withstand the demanding conditions of Black Rock Desert.
MODULAR ASSEMBLY
Conceived for progressive assembly and dismantling.
THE ART OF TYING
Exploring traditional rope lashings and knot-based connections.
MATERIALS
RECLAIMED MATERIALS
Sails, parachutes, nets, theatrical fabrics, deadstock and ropes.
NATURAL PALETTE
Watery blues, earthy greens and neutrals, with pale head and breasts.
DIVERSE TEXTURES
Dense and sheer, smooth and rough, tightly wrapped and freely flowing.
ANIMATED BY WIND
Loose textile bands give the stable structure its movement and changing form.
MEET THE ARTIST
The Person Behind
DIANA TOURKO
Concept & Lead Artist
Belgium-based interdisciplinary artist exploring the transformation of ideas into tangible forms through traditional doll-making, poetry, conceptual art and explorations of self-awareness.
The Wild Rusalka brings her Slavic heritage and creative practice together on a monumental scale.
Traditions Keepers
Diana's Portals
Self-Awareness Coaching
JOIN THE CREATION
Команда · материалы · финансирование
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Join the team: engineers, fabricators, textile artists, builders, producers and volunteers.
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Contribute materials: reclaimed sails, parachutes, fabrics, nets and ribbons.
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Support the project: financial contributions, sponsorships, equipment and logistical partnerships.
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Share the vision: help connect the project with relevant people and communities.
Include a simple contact form with name, email, type of contribution and message.
FOLLOW THE JOURNEY
Новости · контакты · соцсети
Donna Leonard
Artistibamm is a Contemporary Experimental Art Space.
WE CREATE, PRESENT,
PERFORM
PHOTOGRAPHY
Michaella Jordin
VIDEO ART
Frank Dean
SCULPTURE
Tristen Rob
