Axis Mundi, Black Rock City 2026
Navagunjara Reborn: The Phoenix of Odisha
Jnaneshwar Das — Tempe, AZ, United States
Open PlayaSelf-Funded
About
Navagunjara Reborn: The Phoenix of Odisha is an 18-foot sculptural installation that fuses two mythical archetypes from distant traditions -- Odisha's nine-animal Navagunjara, an avatar of Vishnu in which truth is multifaceted, and the Phoenix, the universal emblem of rebirth through fire. Nine creatures rise from a single base into one vertical Axis Mundi: a dragon-headed, scale-armored body whose seams between animals remain visible as structure. Each section is rendered with heritage crafts such as Dhokra lost-wax casting, Pattachitra painting, Pipli appliqué, on canewood, aluminum, and bronze. Propane flame effects animate the form at night. The sculpture stands as a beacon of resilience, and unity in diversity.
Compiled from Burning Man Project’s public art listing. Not affiliated with, endorsed, or verified by Burning Man Project.