Visual Artist | Fayetteville, NC
DIM BORISOV
PROJECTS
Kokopelli Kuriosity
(in development)
Concept & Proposal
Kokopelli is an iconic Native American figure / deity that represents music and fertility, usually depicted as a humpbacked flute player and known to be a trickster who inspires a spirit of music.
​
This structure would be a free-standing bipedal giant figurine welded together as three connecting parts (base, body, head). The installation would be anchored onto a wooden base and engineered for structural soundness against Playa elements and swarms of Burners. The welded armature would be prefabricated from 1.5" rebar. The surface decorated with wire and mesh and lit from the inside with LEDs. Assembly would take place on site at Blackrock City.
​
Being that this is a large scale piece, the Kokopelli Kuriosity would draw burners from afar and serve as a beacon/waypoint like many other large installations.
At night it would be lit with LED lights and play flute music through a built-in sound system, adding ambience to the art. The base would serve as a miniature stage for performance inviting dance and/or meditation as part of the experience.
The kokopelli is very rich in its symbology known all around the world, one in particular as a traveling trader (gifter of trinkets), an iconic reminder of sharing. His reputation as a fertility deity encourages connection, openness and love.
This art piece has a mission to connect strangers and invite a ceremonious union among partners, lovers and
friends through music and dance.
​
This has historical and cultural significance not only to the Hopi but to those who have invited this icon into their rituals and lifestyles of music and festivity. Many relate the Kokopelli to marriage and fertility.
This sacred deity, a magician, embodies healing and storytelling through song and dance, luring the curious with his magical flute. His whimsical nature, charitable deeds, and vital spirit are the primary reasons why he achieved such a prominent position in Native American mysticism.This art speaks to me personally, as I have adopted its creative trickster energy into my own personality (my playa name being Kokopello). I have written a graphic novel based around this magical entity and I have a tattoo of the Kokopelli on my right leg. What I personally hope to manifest with this art, is a worldwide demonstration of unity and peace through love and music at a time when we need it the most. The message is simple yet inspiring.
This video briefly talks about my involvement with Burning Man, mentions several Burning man art projects that I have been part of in the past and describes my current aspirations for bringing
"Koko Kuriosity" to BM 2024.
​
Video created by Alex Oley
footage credits go to the artists of Own Way and Chromatica.
Fire Cups
In collaboration with Victory Surreal and artists from Russia, we are bringing FireCups to LoveBurn festival!
(Love Burn 2024)
Project #99
This art is a beacon of inspiration that symbolizes the spark of life and knowledge for the communal enlightenment of all. Each cup, a testament to the transformative power of art, ready to ignite the spirit of all who dare to venture closer.
It is as if they carry the essence of ancient rituals and modern expression, uniting past and present in a fiery dance.
With each flicker of light, a sense of unity fills the air. Strangers become friends, and bonds are forged under the captivating spell of the flames. The installation becomes a beacon of connection and collective experience.
But within the brilliance of the fire, there lies a reminder of impermanence. Like the fleeting moments of life, the flames are temporary, destined to return to the dust from which they emerged.
Yet, in this fleeting beauty, we find inspiration and purpose. The fire cups teach us to cherish the present, to embrace the freedom of artistic expression, and to connect with the profoundness of the human spirit.
