The theme sounds pretty libertarian! I’m going to try to check it out, thought other freedom lovers might like to do so as well. It says visitors can add their own stories (tales of tribulations at the hands of 3-letter government agencies, perhaps?) using Sharpies and fabric provided at the installation.
The description (from Giant ‘No Dancing’ Burning Man Sign Coming to Golden Gate Park) reads as follows…
"Large red letters command “NO DANCING” from afar but don’t be fooled by the message. Passersby are encouraged to flout the rules and shake their tail feathers to their heart’s content. The outer layer you can see from far away, and people think it’s cheeky that someone would tell you not to dance.
Then you look closer, and you see there are nine real stories of nine lives affected by rules or repression, assembled as a petition for restorative justice and social acceptance. Every human being follows a path to become their true self; for some the way is short, and for others long. We hope people who enjoy this piece will join us in accepting this alternative theory of justice in pursuit of a more equitable society.
Over Ruled is a large red sign composed of 12’ fabric letters supported by a metal frame, readable from 3,600’ day and night. Triangular metal legs hold each letter 8’ aloft for visibility and passage underneath. Block capitals resemble Gotham Black font, sewn from a single layer of ripstop nylon. The legs also hold perpendicular fabric panels, containing the text of impactful stories collected from the community. Ground-mounted white spotlights evenly illuminate each letter, making them clearly visible in true color at night. Spotlights also cast enlarged shadows from participants onto the letters, so dancing crowds are sometimes visible on the letters.
Over Ruled features stories of imprisonment, termination, expulsion, and banishment, and the consequences that accrue disproportionately to people of color, reinforcing equity gaps. This is embedded within a piece which seems lighthearted at a distance, specifically to surprise participants when they approach.
We hope this twist ending provokes true contemplation, and openness to alternative theories of justice. Restorative justice is the foremost of these theories, which provides better outcomes for both individuals and communities–but it requires community support to be properly adopted, so popular acceptance is crucial for realizing the benefits.
Those who approach the lettering more closely will see the printed stories from the community about their run-ins with rules. Blank sheets of fabric in the support structure and chained Sharpies encourage participants to add their own stories.”
According to the site, the “No Dancing” sign will be in the park for 12 months. Could be interesting to see what stories it attracts during that time!
Love & Liberty,
((( starchild )))