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All the United States Nevada Reno Guardian of Eden

Guardian of Eden

This 18-foot-tall steel lotus is a meditation on ecological crisis that originally appeared at Burning Man.

Reno, Nevada

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Paul Schwegler
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Guardian of Eden outside NMA   PunkToad
Gaurdian of Eden with NMA   Schweg / Atlas Obscura User
The plaza   Schweg / Atlas Obscura User
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Guardian of Eden outside NMA   dreamshovel
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About

Outside the Nevada Museum of Art in Reno stands a giant steel blossom. The sculpture, which debuted at Burning Man, is meant to inspire viewers to reflect on Earth’s ecological crisis.

Reno is a gathering point for many Burners before and after Burning Man, an annual event held in Nevada's Black Rock Desert. The event is famous for its interactive art installations, and many residents are involved with different aspects of the event.  Art from Burning Man fills the city, and this sculpture was one of the first pieces to find a permanent home in Reno. 

"Guardian of Eden" was created by New York-based artist Kate Raudenbush, who often explores environmental issues through her work. Raudenbush describes her inspiration for “Guardian of Eden” as “a cross-pollination of Hindu and Egyptian creation myth, Buddhist symbolism, and the ancient symbol of the Flower Of Life.” At night, blue lights project an interlocking circular design onto the ground beneath the sculpture.

Built to withstand the harsh desert climate, the sculpture is made from structural steel. Each of the twelve petals are covered with intricate laser-cut designs. When the sculpture debuted in 2007, Burning Man’s theme was “The Green Man,” an exploration of how humans interact with nature.

Update as of June 2022: "Guardian of Eden" was removed from the plaza in front of the Nevada Museum of Art in May 2022 and will be installed on the campus of Truckee Meadows Community College during the summer.

Update as of July 2023: The sculpture is under construction and is not currently displayed outside the museum.

 

Related Tags

Sculptures Burning Man Ecology

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The piece is displayed outside of the Nevada Museum of Art’s entrance on the corner of West Liberty Street and Hill Street. 

Community Contributors

Added By

Schweg

Edited By

Anna Minster, crystalnicole, Michelle Cassidy

  • Anna Minster
  • crystalnicole
  • Michelle Cassidy

Published

November 15, 2019

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Sources
  • http://www.kateraudenbush.com/guardian-of-eden
  • https://www.newsreview.com/reno/power-flower/content?oid=574592
  • https://burningman.org/culture/history/brc-history/event-archives/2007-2/07_theme/
Guardian of Eden
160 W Liberty St
Reno, Nevada, 89501
United States
39.520782, -119.813418
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