Ark of the Nereids by Pepe Ozan

photo by Scott Beale

I’ve been uploading a bunch of photos from the archives and came across photos I shot of the “Ark of the Nereids”, 35′ Spanish Galleon in the form of a mythical creature that Pepe Ozan built for his Opera at Burning Man 2002.

Built on a flatbed trailer, this 35′ giant musical instrument interweaves elements of a Spanish galleon and a mythical aquatic creature, incorporating in its design a neo-gamelan set and a large battery of alternative percussion and playable rigging. Evocative lighting will be provided by two large torches above the stern. Equipped with a concealed sound system, this vessel has been designed to host musicians over the Captain’s cabin, while offering a large space for dancers, fire performers and singers on the main deck. Four ladders up the masts and cross-cables between them make the rigging an inviting field for aerialists and adventurous participants.