Burning Man Australia

Two of Burning Man’s most famous artists, Dan Das Mann and Karen Cusolito were in Australia after their commission to build the huge flame tree at Cardwell’s Girringun Cultural Festival 13th -14th October 2007.

The 10 metre high tree in Cardwell made of recycled copper sprays water by day, and shoots flames by night. With fossil fuels running out and the effects on climate change, the artwork is a permanent reminder of the need for more sustainable ways.

The project came about through collaborations between the Girringun Aboriginal Corporation, Cardwell Shire Council and the US based non-profit, Black Rock Arts Foundation.

Mann’s origins were in landscape architecture, but while his renown has come from his large-scale festival work, he is also in demand by corporations. Cusolito’s academic background is in art and design, leading to many public art installations.

Both artists’ work reflects their abiding interest in humanity and the environment.



In its natural environment, The flame tree, also known as royal poinciana or flamboyant, is a member of the bean family (Leguminosae) and is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful tropical trees in the world.

This aptly named tree produces striking flame-like scarlet and yellow flowers in spring before the leaves emerge. As the trees mature, they develop broad umbrella-shaped crowns, and are often planted for their shade-giving properties.

The delicate, fern-like leaves are composed of small individual leaflets, which fold up at the onset of dusk. This tree produces brown, woody seed pods that reach lengths of up to 60 cm; they turn reddish-brown to almost black when ripe.



The Cardwell Flame Tree features a 10 metre high tree made of recycled copper.

In the day the tree sprays water.
At night the tree shoots flames.
The Cardwell Flame Tree is a reminder of change.

THE CARDWELL FLAME TREE PROJECT:

- Represents the logo of the Cardwell Shire Council between 19XX and 2007.
- Sprays water to remind us of the change in Australia 's rainfall and climate.
- Throws flames to remind us that fossil fuels are running out.
- Uses recycled copper to remind us of the need for more sustainable ways.
- Reminds us of the Caring for Country Conference, Cardwell, October, 2007.



Girringun Culture Festival - The Great Australian Corroboree - Cardwell North Queensland

www.greataustraliancorroboree.com.au



The Flame Tree is an art and sustainability education project developed for the Caring for Country Conference and Festival on behalf of Girringun Aboriginal Corporation.

www.uncook.com/flametree



Special Thanks: to Joanne Keune, a Girringun Culture Festival organiser, for her vision and work in making The Flame Tree project the reality it has become. Joanne is from Townsville, Queensland, Australia. She has worked in the Arts administration field in Australia & San Francisco, California, USA, and has been to a number of Burning Mans since 1994 to the current day.