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MOTH

@theplayamoth

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MOTH
Monumental artwork · Eastern & Western worldviews in one form
On view at Oddie District Art Park · The Generator
Website · Acquisition enquiries

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Field Notes: August, 2026
Location: Black Rock City, Nevada Desert

Encounter Summary:
Today, amid the slow-blossoming chaos of pre-Burning Man installation, I arrived with dust on my boots and a heart thudding with anticipation. The playa stretched white and dreamlike under a milky sky as I reunited with my chosen kin: the ever-gentle camp SlòMöth. Our tent poles were half-driven, the tea barely steeping — and already something sacred stirred in the sand.

Perched suddenly on my hand was what first appeared to be a common playa moth, faded pink and dusk-touched. But then, in the quiet hum of morning setup, it pulsed once — and unfurled not wings, but petals. I froze as Floraptera SlòMöthica, known among us as the Enlightenmoth, bloomed fully upon my palm. Its sepaled wings curled outward like silk lotuses: soft rose shading into dusk-violet, with a sunburst of gold at the thoracic center. Hand-sized and delicate as a prayer, it remained utterly still, absorbing warmth from my skin.

At that same moment, just beyond the rebar line, several members of SlòMöth camp knelt before the rising form of the newly assembled Great Moth Statue — a towering steel sentinel with gauze-like wings and a lantern arm extended in radiant judgment. Cloaked in matching pink faux-fur, they lifted their palms in silent praise. Only later did I learn that the appearance of F. SlòMöthica is considered, by desert lore, a direct sign that the Gate of Divine Vision is opening. It is said to emerge only to those camps who carry beauty without demand and knowledge without arrogance.

Evolutionarily, its floral mimicry is believed to lure nectar-feeding nightbirds for inadvertent pollination — a rare example of reverse lure strategy among moths. But the Elders whisper older truths: that the Enlightenmoth is no mere insect, but a psychopomp — a guide through the soft veil between artistry and awakening.

As it lifted silently from my hand and vanished into the white air, I felt what can only be described as permission — to build, to wander, to begin again.

.

#slomoth #burningman #burningman2025 #blackrockcity #aiart #digitalart #olegpars #storytelling by @theplayamoth

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a year ago

Next chapter: Maker Faire Bay Area

MOTH continues her journey in California.

See the 13-foot stainless steel sculpture at Maker Faire Bay Area, September 25–27, at Mare Island in Vallejo.

Sept 25–27 · Mare Island · Vallejo, California taken in Vallejo, California by @theplayamoth

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21 days ago

From the Playa to Reno and now, Best of Show in Sculpture.

MOTH was presented at the Reno Tahoe International Art Show and received Best of Show · Sculpture.

Thank you to everyone who came to see her, shared their thoughts, and became part of this chapter.

The journey continues taken in Reno-Sparks Convention Center by @theplayamoth

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21 days ago

MOTH, fully assembled and ready for @rtiashow
Sept 17–20 · PL109 taken in Reno-Sparks Convention Center by @theplayamoth

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a month ago

The final fixes before the @rtiashow
Wings back on, antennas secured
MOTH is whole again! taken in Reno-Sparks Convention Center by @theplayamoth

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a month ago

What are you doing, step-MOTH? by @theplayamoth

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a month ago

The Burn is over, but MOTH keeps moving
One trailer, 200 miles, one very necessary car wash
And now she’s in Reno for RTIA.

Sept 17–20 · PL109 by @theplayamoth

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a month ago

MOTH is now on view in Reno — shown among contemporary works as part of the Post Playa sculpture feature at the Reno Tahoe International Art Show.

Four days only. See it in person before it moves on.

Reno Tahoe International Art Show
September 17–20, 2026
Reno-Sparks Convention Center · PL109

For exhibition and acquisition enquiries — link in bio. taken in Reno-Sparks Convention Center by @theplayamoth

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a month ago

Still standing. Still becoming.

#MOTH #BurningMan #BlackRockCity #PlayaArt by @theplayamoth

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a month ago

MOTH after dark.
Come find it at night: 11:05 & 2300’

#MOTH #BurningMan #blackrockcity taken in Black Rock City by @theplayamoth

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a month ago

Anchoring a moth to the desert floor.
Three people, one drill, and a whole lot of dust. This is what it takes to hold MOTH to the Playa, bolt by bolt.
Find it out in the deep playa · 11:05 & 2300’

#MOTH #BurningMan #BlackRockCity #playaart #deepplaya taken in Burning Man by @theplayamoth

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2 months ago

MOTH is on the Playa. Come find it.

📍 11:05 & 2300’ — out in the deep playa, toward the Temple
GPS: 40.7893932, -119.2053439

Screenshot it so you can find your way.

After the long road, MOTH finally made it. Walk out and see it up close.

#MOTH #BlackRockCity by @theplayamoth

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2 months ago