Axis Mundi, Black Rock City 2026
For They Know Not What They Do
Jai Hackl — Martinsville, Australia
Open PlayaHonorarium
About
A steel caduceus rises from the Playa, a sword entwined with twin serpents and crowned with the wings of Hermes and an all-seeing eye. Forged from stainless steel, brass, and mild steel, it bends and scatters desert light, appearing watchful and alive in the dust. The serpents coil through ancient dualities of creation and destruction, obedience and rebellion, and cycles carried through tradition and rarely questioned. The sword forms an axis of power, both guardian and threat. Above, Hermes' wings speak of transcendence and ascent, while the mirrored eye returns fractured reflections of the viewer, reminding us that perception is always partial, and truth remains just beyond our grasp.
Compiled from Burning Man Project’s public art listing. Not affiliated with, endorsed, or verified by Burning Man Project.