Burning Man's flamboyant mutant vehicles sail through the sands of the desert

Burning Man’s mutant vehicles – Fire shooting dragon car – Photo by Curtis Simmons.

Transport – Despite the sand breeze of Nevada Desert, they are impossible not to notice. Mutant vehicles are part of the culture of Burning Man festival that takes place every year in Black Rock City temporary metropolis. They drive through the desert contributing to boost the dreamy and in-wonderland vibe of the festival with their flamboyant shapes and neons.

KALLIOPE Art Car and GIant VW Bus – Photo by Duncan Rawlinson.

“A Mutant Vehicle is a unique, motorized creation that shows little or no resemblance to their original form, or to any standard street vehicle” define at Burning Man. They are licensed art-cars specially designed for the Black Rock City’s festival running on the Playa – the large open area between the landmark Man statue and the 70.000 souls town.

Photo by Duncan Rawlinson (duncan.co), CC, Burning Man 2016

“Normally art cars are on the fringe and considered alternative and kooky. At Burning Man, however, art cars suddenly become cool, and more, they are integrated into the community and celebrated as part of the event’s identity” comments photographer and Burning Man veteran Harrod Blank.

Photo by Duncan Rawlinson (duncan.co), CC, Burning Man 2016

Those who want to spice up their mechanical skills with tons of craziness can check the guidelines and criteria to apply. The DMV – Department of Mutant Vehicles at Burning Man is already open for 2016 edition’s entries.

All the cars are carefully checked and selected by the Department of Mutant Vehicles that is in charge for both safety and art-quality of Burning Man fancy traffic.

Photo by Duncan Rawlinson (duncan.co), CC, Burning Man 2016

Burning Man takes place in Black Rock City, a temporary metropolis in the heart of Nevada desert. Each year thousands of dreamers from all over the planet flock from the real world to join on of the most flamboyant festivals of the world. Stunning installations, neon-flickering architecture rise from the desert whilst concerts and events engage free-spirits in a week of pure fun. At the end of the festival all the installations and visionary architectures are set on fire or dismantled leaving no trace in the stunning nature of the desert.