ASTRAL EXPLORER MUTANT VEHICLE
- By: Edlin Chuene
- Short URL: https://archive.backabuddy.co.za/edlin-chuene-5817416034318737148
- Date Created: 22 January 2024
Personal message
My name is Edlin, 32 year old Art Director based in Pretoria. In 2023 I attended Afrika Burn; an official Burning Man regional event; as part of the setup team of a theme camp at the event. We did our best in that space and we are recognised as genuine burners since. My team and I applied to build and operate a mutant vehicle for 2024 installation themed CREATION.
We have the car and are being partially funded by Afrika Burns Projects NPC. They're only funding materials and tools. We need funding for the team's welfare and the transportation of the vehicle to the event. It will be build in two parts, the mechanical requirements will be done in Pretoria and then visually dressed in Cape Town.
We have the car and are being partially funded by Afrika Burns Projects NPC. They're only funding materials and tools. We need funding for the team's welfare and the transportation of the vehicle to the event. It will be build in two parts, the mechanical requirements will be done in Pretoria and then visually dressed in Cape Town.
Astral Explorer: A MUTANT VEHICLE PROJECT
AFRIKA BURN 2024 - CREATION
A 1989 VW Transporter T3 Doka transformed into a desert mutant vehicle for Afrika Burn. It is best described as a comet that fell from space onto the plains of Tankwa after the Big Bang. To achieve this, we intend to use a combination of visual design elements and storytelling.
In the beginning, there was darkness. A cosmic silence stretched across the void, unbroken by time or sound. Then came the moment—the instant that marked the birth of the universe. The Big Bang ignited, a brilliant explosion of light, energy and sound, from this cataclysmic event, a celestial wanderer emerged.
It was not a typical comet, nor a mere collection of ice and rock. This entity, now known as the "Astral Explorer," was something more profound. As the universe expanded and galaxies swirled into existence, our celestial wanderer was there to bear witness. It was a sentinel of the cosmos, a messenger of the stars.
For eons, this body of stardust journeyed through the expanse of space. It traveled close to suns that burned with an intensity no human could fathom and navigated the icy voids of interstellar space. Along the way, it accumulated celestial dust and stardust, becoming a living tapestry of the cosmos.
In its travels, the Astral Explorer encountered ancient civilizations on distant planets. It watched over them as they rose, thrived, and eventually faded into obscurity. It captured their stories and experiences, etching them into its core like a celestial library.
As it passed through asteroid belts and cometary clouds, it observed the creation and destruction of celestial bodies. It witnessed supernovas, the birth of black holes, and the dance of galaxies. It recorded the symphony of the universe, a harmony of light and darkness, energy and entropy.
One fateful day, the Astral Explorer found itself hurtling toward the outskirts of the Milky Way. It approached Earth, a planet teeming with life and vibrant energy. As it entered the Earth's atmosphere, it became cloaked in fire, blazing like a meteor. Crash-landing in a remote desert, the Astral Explorer's journey seemed to come to an end. But it was not the end; it was a new beginning. The inhabitants of the desert discovered the enigmatic comet and realised its extraordinary history.
They transformed the rock into a desert mutant vehicle. celebrating its celestial odyssey, they named it the "Astral Explorer" in honour of its timeless journey.
Now, every year, during Afrika Burn, the Astral Explorer takes to the desert, illuminating the night with its dazzling lights and playing the music of the cosmos. It will become a symbol of the enduring spirit of creation, exploration and discovery.
Now, every year, during Afrika Burn, the Astral Explorer takes to the desert, illuminating the night with its dazzling lights and playing the music of the cosmos. It will become a symbol of the enduring spirit of creation, exploration and discovery.
THE BUILD
The exterior of the vehicle is dominated by its oversized, all-terrain wheels that are adorned with intricate metallic rims, which glint in the fading sunlight.
A textured finish will be applied using foam to create a comet's rugged surface, scorched appearance.
Performance & Interaction:
The mutant will be an interactive experience for attendees with podcasting capabilities installed to the sound system. We will encourage them to write wishes or messages on the body of the vehicle to chronicle its travels, symbolising the comet's Earth experience.
During the Burn, the Astral Explorer will "launch" into the desert, moving slowly and gracefully while playing music, emitting smoke and light effects to create the illusion of space travel.
Statistics
Fundraising target
R 55 000.00Donations to date
R 0.00ASTRAL EXPLORER MUTANT VEHICLE Campaign
My name is Edlin, 32 year old Art Director based in Pretoria. In 2023 I attended Afrika Burn; an official Burning Man regional event; as part of the setup team of a theme camp at the event. We did our best in that space and we are recognised as genuine burners since. My team and I applied to build and operate a mutant vehicle for 2024 installation themed CREATION.
We have the car and are being partially funded by Afrika Burns Projects NPC. They're only funding materials and tools. We need funding for the team's welfare and the transportation of the vehicle to the event. It will be build in two parts, the mechanical requirements will be done in Pretoria and then visually dressed in Cape Town.