A Queue

I do like a well organized queue (“a line” in the US). I guess that’s why I moved to the UK.

At some point I thought it would be pretty cool if you could spend some time in a queue at Burning Man - not in a car (like you do during exodus), but while exploring art on the playa.

I did not think of this as art; just an out-of-place object that I personally would have enjoyed.

As I described this in my Burning Man art application:

A structure will be composed out of retractable belt stanchions. Participants can walk across the structure pretending like they are in a queue. This can also be considered a small labyrinth, though it will be difficult to get lost in it (but I suppose not impossible).

Participants will also be able to reconfigure the labyrinth by detaching and re-attaching belts. This will be neither encouraged nor discouraged.

I liked the result, even though on this photo I am clearly not impressed.

To my great surprise, participants have indeed decided to reconfigure the labyrinth:

I guess the fact that someone actually interacted with my piece made it art?

That was pretty cool.

Update: “After You” (2019)

After the overwhelming success of “A Queue”, an evolution of the art piece has been featured at Black Rock City in 2019.

Quoting from the art application again:

A structure is made with retractable belt stanchions that are arranged in two circles, one inside the other. This is both a queue that goes forever, and a one that you cannot get into (since there’s no entrance). This is clearly not “a line”.

Participants will also be able to reconfigure the structure by detaching and re-attaching belts. This will be neither encouraged nor discouraged. Last year someone clearly enjoyed doing it [picture of a penis].

I am sure I can bring this bullshit for your enjoyment at least 2 or 3 more times before I start running out of shapes.