Any piece of art is defined not by the person creating it, but by the individual observing, interpreting, and interacting with it. The Library of Babel, a Burning Man 2014 honorarium installation, is a project whose boundaries have intentionally been left open to ensure that it is not a static concept that separates those who create and observe: everyone involved in building, on playa, and within
our greater community will by default share the role of artist and observer. Inspired by Borges' short story, The Library of Babel is about a universe which is an indefinite, perhaps infinite library which contains every possible book, within which are "all the possible combinations of the twenty odd orthographic symbols." Our intention is to interpret and expand Borges’ ideas by building a real library, and asking participants to become the librarians. The theme of this project is simple: that we are unlimited in thought and creativity. Our ability to express ideas begins with words, but diverges into many realms of nonverbal language. The Library asks participants where this distinction lies. Upon entering the space, one will feel compelled to address this enigmatic question. Whether reading what others have written, composing one’s own stories, sketching an idea, or simply admiring the mood and discussing its values with a friend or stranger, this Library will inspire one to explore the range and limits of language. It is an endeavor continually progressing through the interactions of those people who use the space through writing, drawing, and reading the books. It will define a unique narrative of the playa; indeed, it has no individual owner or author, but rather a more universal presence whose uncountable layers are defined by an intangible, inexpressible evolution.
