As Above So Within

Aim

A large-scale illuminated sculpture inspired by fractals, mathematics, and our interconnected world.

The Story

More than eight hundred years ago, the Persian poet Farid ud-Din Attar wrote The Conference of the Birds, one of the most celebrated works of Persian literature.

In the poem, birds from across the world gather in search of the legendary Simurgh. Believing the Simurgh holds the answers they seek, they embark on a journey through seven valleys, each representing a stage of transformation. Many turn back. Some become lost. Others are unable to let go of their fears, attachments, and assumptions. Only thirty birds complete the journey. When they finally arrive at their destination, they discover there is no king waiting for them. Instead, they find their own reflection. The seeker and the sought are one. What they traveled so far to find had been within them all along.

For members of our team, many of whom are part of the Iranian diaspora, Attar’s story remains deeply resonant. It speaks to journeys across borders, across identities, and across the distances we create between ourselves and what we seek.

As Above, So Within draws inspiration from this timeless idea: that the patterns we search for in the world around us may already exist within us.

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The Vision

The sculpture takes the form of a Mandelbulb fractal—a three-dimensional expression of repeating patterns found throughout nature. Fractals appear everywhere. In branching trees. In river systems. In lightning. In coastlines. In crystals. In clouds. And even in galaxies. Across vastly different scales, similar structures emerge again and again. What fascinates us about fractals is the relationship between the individual and the whole. A single branch resembles the larger tree. A single pattern echoes the larger system. Complexity emerges from repetition. Constructed from hundreds of illuminated panels, As Above, So Within transforms these ideas into a physical form that can be encountered on the playa. From afar, the sculpture appears as a singular object. Up close, it reveals a network of interconnected elements working together to create something larger than themselves. Just like a community. By day, visitors will experience shifting layers of geometry, light, and shadow. By night, the sculpture will glow from within, transforming into a luminous presence in Black Rock City.

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Why Burning Man?

Burning Man is one of the few places in the world where ambitious public art can exist on a truly communal scale.

The city is built through participation, collaboration, experimentation, and collective effort.

Those same values are embedded in this project.

As Above, So Within is not simply a sculpture about interconnectedness—it is being built through interconnectedness. Artists. Designers. Engineers. Fabricators. Supporters. Friends. Community members. Every person involved contributes a piece of the whole. The process itself reflects the ideas that inspired the artwork.

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The Team

As Above, So Within is being created by a small team of artists, designers, engineers, and makers, many of whom are members of the Iranian diaspora. Inspired by the writings of the 12th-century Persian poet Attar, the project bridges ancient storytelling and contemporary fabrication, transforming timeless ideas about connection and self-discovery into a large-scale public artwork. The sculpture itself is an act of collaboration. Hundreds of parts. Thousands of hours. One shared vision.

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Why We Need Your Help

Bringing a project of this scale to Black Rock City requires significant resources. Your support will help fund:

•  Materials and fabrication
• 3D printing equipment and production
• Structural engineering and testing
• Lighting and electrical systems
• Transportation and logistics
• Installation and strike on the playa
• Tools, hardware, and safety equipment

Every contribution directly supports the realization of the artwork.

No donation is too small.

Every contribution becomes part of the story.

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What’s In It For You?

You’ll help bring a unique piece of public art to Black Rock City.

You’ll become part of a community of artists, builders, dreamers, and supporters working together toward a shared vision.

Most importantly, you’ll help transform an 800-year-old story into a contemporary artwork that invites curiosity, wonder, and reflection.

Whether you contribute financially, share our campaign, or join our team, you become part of the journey.

Thank you for supporting independent art and helping bring As Above, So Within to Burning Man 2026.

Funding method

Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made by 16th August 2026 at 9:57pm CDT