Burning Man Announces its Official Art Theme for 2018 ‘I Robot’ !

i robot
The Interpreter, a.k.a. Rabot, by Brendan Smithers, from AfrikaBurn 2014 (Photo by Kati Auld)

Burning Man has been making its mark since 1986 but it took a few years for the buzz to start and organizers to properly set up annual themes for the desert adventure.

Throughout the years, the themes have come and go and people have dedicated time and resources to comply and participate as closely as possible with the theme. From this year’s “Radical Ritual” to 2016’s “Da Vinci’s Workshop” the staff and participants give all their effort to be part of the community.

For the 2018’s edition, Burning Man has announced the popular theme of “I Robot” based on Issac Asimov’s popular science-fi series from the 1950’s.

1. A robot may not injure a human being or, through inaction, allow a human being to come to harm.
2. A robot must obey orders given it by human beings except where such orders would conflict with the First Law.
3. A robot must protect its own existence as long as such protection does not conflict with the First or Second Law.
— Isaac Asimov, I, Robot

The Interpreter, a.k.a. Rabot, by Brendan Smithers, from AfrikaBurn 2014 (Photo by Kati Auld)

We live in a society that depends on technology for almost everything and we maybe to the point of no return.

“This year’s art theme will focus on the many forms of artificial intelligence that permeate our lives; from the humble algorithm and its subroutines that sift us, sort us and surveil us, to automated forms of labor that supplant us.”

Burning Man offers an escape from your daily routine, it allows you to ignore all those email alerts and gives you the ability to interact and connect with humans in an environment that only the “Playa” can provide.

At the same time, many of the art installations depend heavily on modern technology to power the unique art and music installations. It’s going to be very interesting to see how 2018’s theme plays out across all camps and the main art installations on the “Playa”.