MOONBURN

"Has the moon fallen from the sky? Everyone understands that Moonburn is “just” a large balloon that has been decorated with fluorescent paint. Although considerably smaller than the actual moon — 6 meters in diameter, as compared to 3,475 kilometers — the balloon appears larger. For Stichting Barstow, however, it wasn’t enough just to imitate the moon. They had to add something to connect the moon with the city; better yet, connect the moon to the craziness of the city, the lights and the crowds. The solution was fluorescent paint. Now the moon reflects the light of its surroundings, while at night it charges with the energy radiated by the city. In return, Moonburn ensures temporary insanity in the minds of those who look up and find themselves in another dimension. It is the last stop before total absurdity.

The artistic collective Stichting Barstow was founded by Steven Bos, Susan Lanting and theatre maker Gover Meit. They all graduated from the Gerrit Rietveld Academy in 2009, after which Bos and Lanting continued their studies at the Sandberg Institute. As Stichting Barstow, they nurse a passion for spectacular artworks that don’t limit themselves to the confines of the white walls of an exhibition venue, but are presented in the public space for all to admire. Their art installations immerse the audience in a world where other laws apply: the laws of the spectacle."

Photo credits: Nikos Karanikolas