The Myth of Sisyphus

The San Francisco-based artist Kal Spelletich discusses the interactive kinetic sculpture The Myth of Sisyphus (2001; illus.) which he contributed to the 2001 Burning Man outdoor art event, held in Black Rock, Nevada. He outlines the creative and political principles governing the hand-made robots, machines and various kinetic apparatus he builds from re-appropriated technology and materials in his workshop, all of which incorporate fire and an element of danger that incites the participant to challenge his own mortality, and describes how volunteers conquer their fears by operating the machines in front of a live audience. He concludes by mapping out future projects.