Galen Oakes · Black Rock City

Black Rock

Five years in Black Rock City. These are the frames that stayed with me — the dust, the light, the people, the fire. Shot between 2015 and 2019, selected from an archive of over ninety-five thousand photographs.

2015

35 photographs

The Burn9.0
The Burn9.0
A silhouette of a pirate ship art installation with people climbing its rigging is set against a vibrant sunset at Burning Man. The sun cast
Night9.0
A large effigy, engulfed in flames, is raised by a crowd at the Burning Man festival. Explosions and fireworks erupt around the central figu
The Burn9.0
Art9.0
The sun sets behind the iconic "The Man" sculpture at Burning Man 2015, casting long shadows across the playa as a crowd gathers and cyclist
The Burn8.0
A person swings from a crane attached to a large, decorated art vehicle on the playa at Burning Man. The vehicle features multiple levels fo
Art8.0
The Burn8.0
A man smokes a cigarette in front of the "Temple" structure at Burning Man 2015. The vast playa stretches out behind him, dotted with people
Art8.0
Two people walk a bicycle through dust at sunset during Burning Man 2015, with a large ship-like art installation and other figures visible
Art8.0
A woman with her eyes closed and arms outstretched wears a white patterned bodysuit and a shimmering white kimono-style jacket in the vast,
People8.0
A crowd of people with glow sticks and illuminated objects enjoy a nighttime performance with lasers and pyrotechnics at the Burning Man fes
The Burn8.0
A woman performs a yoga pose atop a large, geodesic, gold-colored sculpture in the desert landscape of Black Rock City during Burning Man 20
Art8.0
A whimsical, polar bear-shaped art car, adorned with a sail and flags, carries passengers through a dusty sunset at Burning Man 2015. In the
Art8.0
Two participants in elaborate costumes, one with large golden wings and the other with white wings, dance during the Burning Man festival in
Playa8.0
A man with red facial hair and a feathered hat poses in a red military-style jacket with gold trim and a fur vest. He is standing in a dusty
People8.0
A person wearing a hat adorned with a ship's mast and sunglasses looks up at the sun, which creates a lens flare. The photograph was taken o
People8.0
A man with a star tattoo on his chest and goggles around his neck stands in the desert at Burning Man, wearing a colorful fringed shawl and
People8.0
A man wearing a gold sequined bandana, heart-shaped sunglasses, and headphones smiles broadly while outdoors. The image was captured during
People8.0
A dramatic sunset sky with wispy clouds painted in shades of pink and purple over the Black Rock Desert, Nevada, during Burning Man. The vas
Playa8.0
A person in a mirrored costume and mask poses outdoors during Burning Man 2015. The costume is made of numerous small, reflective square and
Art8.0
A large, illuminated dragon art car, adorned with green lights and red eyes, is parked on the playa at night during Burning Man 2015. Severa
Night8.0
Sunlight streams through the intricate geometric golden latticework of a geodesic dome structure at Burning Man 2015, casting complex shadow
Art8.0
The sun sets behind the "Heart of the City" sculpture at Burning Man, casting long shadows across the playa. Silhouettes of attendees and bi
Art8.0
A vibrant night scene at Burning Man 2015 features illuminated art installations with geometric patterns and colorful lights, set against a
The Burn8.0
A nighttime scene at Burning Man 2015 features illuminated art installations, including a large, colorful structure with neon lights and a p
Night8.0
A woman in a light-up costume poses in front of a decorated art car at night during Burning Man 2015. The scene is illuminated by numerous c
Night8.0
Two large, illuminated geodesic dome sculptures cast intricate shadows on the dark ground at the 2015 Burning Man festival. The sculpture in
Night8.0
Laser light beams project from a tall wooden structure and illuminate the night sky over a crowd of people and illuminated art installations
Night8.0
The "Cathedral of Mirrors" art installation, illuminated by a rainbow of LED lights, stands tall against the night sky at Burning Man 2015.
Night8.0
The "What Lies Beneath" pavilion, an art installation at Burning Man 2015, is illuminated at dusk. The structure, made of wood and metal, fe
Night8.0
The intricate, geometric golden canopy of the "Temple" structure at Burning Man 2015, photographed from below against a clear blue sky.
Art8.0
A group of people form a circle with their hands touching overhead in front of a large, ornate structure at Burning Man in 2015. The festiva
Art7.0
Two participants in festival attire ride fat-tire bicycles across the playa at Burning Man. The woman on the left wears a colorful beaded ne
The Burn7.0
A man jumps in the air in front of a large, geometric art installation at Burning Man 2015. Other attendees on bicycles and in the backgroun
Art7.0

2016

16 photographs

Two people stand with their backs to the camera, looking out at a large crowd illuminated by a complex laser light show at night. The scene
Night8.0
A large wooden effigy burns intensely against a sunset sky, drawing a crowd of onlookers at the Burning Man festival in Black Rock City, Nev
The Burn8.0
The Man, a large effigy, burns intensely at night during the Burning Man festival in Black Rock City, Nevada. The structure, featuring a cir
The Burn8.0
The Man, a large effigy, burns brightly against the night sky at Burning Man 2016. The structure, featuring a circular wheel behind the figu
The Burn8.0
A dramatic sunset with pink and purple clouds over the Black Rock Desert during the 2016 Burning Man festival. A large whale sculpture with
Night8.0
Green and blue lasers illuminate a stage setup with a large geometric art installation during a night event in 2016. The scene features a cr
Night8.0
A large art installation with a powerful beam of light shooting upwards into the night sky is illuminated by lasers and colorful lights, sur
Night8.0
The "Temple of Transition" structure at Burning Man 2016, photographed at dusk with a pink and blue sky. The intricate white metalwork of th
Night8.0
A large, illuminated art car, "The Dusty Rhino," is parked on the playa at Black Rock City, Nevada, during the annual Burning Man event. The
Night8.0
A large metal sculpture resembling a deer's head, adorned with purple lights, is mounted on a vehicle in the Black Rock Desert at dusk. The
Night8.0
A shirtless man with a beard and bun, wearing shiny gold leggings and sneakers, poses dynamically on a rocky outcrop against a clear blue sk
People8.0
Art8.0
Art8.0
A woman in glowing neon attire crouches on a rock holding a patterned umbrella at sunset.
Night8.0
A man in a shiny silver outfit with glowing shoes poses on a rock at night.
Night8.0
Seven individuals in costumes jump in unison with their hands pressed together in a prayer-like gesture on the dry lakebed of Black Rock Des
People7.0

2017

57 photographs

A large structure erupts in flames and smoke at night during the Burning Man festival in Lovelock, Nevada. A crowd of spectators watches the
The Burn8.0
A participant with elaborate face paint and headdress poses with their hands crossed over their chest at Burning Man 2017 in the Black Rock
People8.0
A massive crowd watches a laser light show at night during the Burning Man festival in Black Rock City, Nevada. The lasers emanate from a ce
Night8.0
A DJ performs on a stage at night, with a large crowd visible in the background illuminated by numerous laser lights. The DJ is using profes
Night8.0
A person in a large, feathered headdress, oversized circular glasses, and white gloves poses with hands near their face at Burning Man in Lo
People8.0
A woman in a crown and flowing cape poses in the desert at dusk, with the moon visible in the pale sky. The scene is part of the Burning Man
Night8.0
A DJ performs at night in front of a large crowd at Burning Man 2017 in Lovelock, Nevada. A large tree decorated with lights and a structure
Night8.0
A DJ performs for a large crowd at night, illuminated by laser lights and glow sticks. The scene was captured during the "2017-08-29 · 100EO
Night8.0
A DJ performs for a large crowd at dusk on the playa, with illuminated art installations in the background. The scene was captured during th
Night8.0
A DJ performs at sunset on the Black Rock Desert playa during the Burning Man festival. The sun's rays beam through dramatic clouds over a v
People8.0
A DJ plays music for a crowd of people gathered on the playa at sunset during Burning Man in Lovelock, Nevada. The sun's rays beam through d
People8.0
A DJ performs at dusk on the playa during the Burning Man festival in Lovelock, Nevada. The wide shot captures the vast desert landscape dot
Night8.0
A DJ performs at dusk on a stage at Burning Man 2017, with a large crowd gathered below and a decorated tree illuminated in the distance. Th
Night8.0
A DJ performs for a large crowd at night, illuminated by numerous white laser beams crisscrossing the sky. The scene is part of the Burning
Night8.0
A DJ performs for a large crowd at night during Burning Man 2017 in Lovelock, Nevada. The DJ is wearing a fur vest and a baseball cap, with
Night8.0
A large, mechanical, dinosaur-like art installation, "The Great Art", is silhouetted against the setting sun at Burning Man in Lovelock, Nev
Art8.0
Sunlight streams through a tent canopy as people dance at Burning Man 2017 in Lovelock, Nevada. A person in the foreground wears bunny ears,
People8.0
A DJ performs for a large crowd at night during Burning Man 2017 in Lovelock, Nevada. The DJ is wearing a fur vest and headphones, with two
Night8.0
A crowd of people dance under a canopy of laser lights at night in Lovelock, Nevada. Many attendees wear glowing accessories, and the ground
Night8.0
A hexagonal pavilion engulfed in flames at night during the Burning Man festival in Lovelock, Nevada. The structure is illuminated by the in
The Burn8.0
Silhouettes of people and bicycles gather near the Temple structure at sunset during Burning Man 2017 in the Black Rock Desert, Nevada. The
Art8.0
Silhouetted figures gather and cycle in the dusty haze at sunset in front of the Temple structure at Burning Man 2017. The sun shines bright
Art8.0
A person stands on a circular, illuminated art installation with alternating red and blue segments in Lovelock, Nevada, during twilight. The
Night8.0
A person with elaborate face paint and a feathered headdress poses with hands on hips, wearing a leather harness and multiple necklaces. The
People8.0
A person with elaborate face paint and headdress poses outdoors at Burning Man 2017. The person wears a black harness and multiple necklaces
People8.0
A person with elaborate face paint and a feathered headdress poses outdoors during Burning Man 2017 in Lovelock, Nevada. The individual wear
People8.0
A wide shot captures a nighttime scene at Burning Man 2017 in the Black Rock Desert, Nevada. Thousands of participants, many on illuminated
Night8.0
A female DJ performs at night on a stage at Burning Man 2017 in Lovelock, Nevada. She is wearing headphones and standing behind a DJ console
Night8.0
A female DJ performs at night on a stage adorned with a large, illuminated geometric star structure during the Burning Man festival in Lovel
Night8.0
A female DJ performs at night on a stage at Burning Man 2017 in Lovelock, Nevada. She is wearing headphones and has face paint, with a large
Night8.0
A DJ performs on a stage at night, illuminated by blue laser lights, with a large crowd visible in the background. The scene was captured in
Night8.0
A DJ performs at an outdoor music festival in Lovelock, Nevada, with a large crowd visible in the background and numerous laser beams illumi
Night8.0
A DJ performs for a large crowd at night, illuminated by numerous white and purple laser beams, during the 2017 Burning Man festival in Love
Night8.0
A DJ performs at dusk during the Burning Man festival in Lovelock, Nevada. The DJ booth is equipped with turntables and a mixer, set against
Night8.0
A performer's face is visible in the reflection of a clear tube as flames swirl within, illuminated by purple and red lights during the Burn
The Burn8.0
A swirling vortex of purple and pink light illuminates a group of people in the distance at the "Lovelock" art installation during Burning M
Night8.0
A DJ performs for a large crowd under a night sky filled with laser lights at Burning Man 2017 in Lovelock, Nevada. The DJ, wearing headphon
Night8.0
A woman with elaborate braided hair and a metallic crown adorned with horns poses for a portrait at Burning Man 2017 in Lovelock, Nevada. Sh
People8.0
Silhouetted against the setting sun at Burning Man 2017, a large, multi-legged art car, resembling a dinosaur or mechanical beast, carries p
Art8.0
A large, mechanical, dinosaur-like art car, carrying passengers, is silhouetted against the setting sun on the playa during Burning Man 2017
Art8.0
A large, mechanical, dinosaur-like art car, carrying passengers, is silhouetted against the setting sun on the playa during Burning Man 2017
Art8.0
A crowd of people dance on illuminated blue platforms at night, with purple laser lights projecting from a stage in the distance. This scene
Night8.0
Green lasers cut through the night sky over a crowd gathered for a performance at the Black Rock Desert, Nevada, during the 2017 Burning Man
Night8.0
A DJ performs for a large crowd at night, illuminated by numerous laser beams and colorful lights. The DJ is wearing headphones and standing
Night8.0
A performer's face is visible in the reflection of a swirling vortex of ice and fire, illuminated by purple and red lights during the Burnin
The Burn8.0
A large, mechanical, dinosaur-like art car, carrying passengers, is silhouetted against the setting sun on the playa at Black Rock City, Nev
Art8.0
A DJ performs at night on a stage illuminated by numerous laser beams, with a large crowd visible in the background. The DJ is operating a m
Night8.0
An aerial view captures a crowd of people gathered on circular, illuminated platforms, creating a mesmerizing pattern of light and shadow. T
Night8.0
An aerial view shows a crowd of people walking on illuminated circular platforms at night. The platforms are lit with vibrant blue and pink
Night8.0
A crowd of people dance under a canopy of blue and red laser lights at night. They are gathered on a circular platform illuminated with blue
Night8.0
An aerial view captures a crowd of people walking on illuminated circular platforms at night. The platforms are lit with bright blue neon li
Night8.0
A large, illuminated art car resembling a train, adorned with neon lights and speakers, is parked on the playa at night during the 2017 Burn
Night8.0
A wide-angle shot captures the "Temple" art installation at Burning Man 2017, featuring illuminated circular platforms on the playa at night
Night8.0
A wide-angle shot captures a nighttime art installation featuring illuminated circular patterns on the ground, with people walking among the
Night8.0
A person walks through a tunnel of illuminated rings and lights at the Burning Man festival in Lovelock, Nevada. The installation features c
Night8.0
A DJ plays music from a raised platform to a large crowd at night during the Burning Man festival in Lovelock, Nevada. The DJ booth features
Night7.0
A man in a hat and sunglasses laughs while holding a white insulated bottle at an outdoor gathering. The scene is set against a bright blue
People7.0

2018

4 photographs

A person in a brightly colored, fuzzy jacket and tie-dye shorts dances with their arm raised at Burning Man 2018. They wear heart-shaped sun
People8.0
A woman poses in a black bikini top and beaded skirt on the playa during Burning Man 2018. In the background, two people ride bicycles acros
People8.0
The illuminated "Jellyfish" art installation glows with vibrant colors against the twilight sky at Burning Man in Black Rock City, Nevada. T
Night8.0
Two women dance under a disco ball and a pyramid structure at Burning Man, an annual event held in the Black Rock Desert, Nevada. The woman
Art7.0

2019

18 photographs

A massive explosion of fire and smoke erupts from the Man structure during the Burning Man 2019 "Man & Woman in Harness" event. A large crow
The Burn8.0
A massive explosion of fire and smoke erupts from the Man structure at Burning Man 2019, witnessed by a large crowd silhouetted against the
The Burn8.0
A woman in a patterned top and black skirt jumps in the air against a dramatic sunset sky with wispy clouds. In the distance, a triangular s
Art8.0
A man in silhouette jumps in the air with his hands in a prayer-like pose against a dramatic sunset sky during the Burning Man 2019 festival
Art8.0
A large crowd gathers outdoors at sunset, viewed from a raised platform with white architectural elements. The sun flares brightly in the sk
Night8.0
A person in a faux fur hat and vest with glowing blue lights dances on a stage at Burning Man 2019. The person wears red goggles and has the
Night8.0
A woman jumps in the air in front of the Temple structure at sunset during the Burning Man festival. The sky is filled with dramatic clouds
Art8.0
A crowd gathers at night to watch a large, geodesic sphere sculpture ignite, sending sparks into the dark sky. A crescent moon is visible ab
The Burn8.0
The illuminated structure of the 'Temple' at Burning Man 2019, photographed at dusk with dramatic clouds overhead. The long exposure capture
Night8.0
A person stands with a bicycle adorned with purple and blue lights against a dramatic pink and orange sunset sky. The scene was captured on
Night8.0
A woman poses in a sparkling bikini and a flowing teal skirt with a textured pattern, wearing platform boots and a jeweled mask, on the play
People8.0
A woman poses in a turquoise bikini and a flowing skirt with a beaded top and platform boots in the vast, dry playa of Black Rock City, Neva
People8.0
A woman in a neon yellow costume and a golden headdress poses in the vast, flat expanse of the Black Rock Desert during Burning Man 2019. In
Night8.0
A silhouette of a woman in a leotard and tall boots stands in a vast, dusty landscape at dusk. She wears a white furry hat and earmuffs, and
People8.0
The "Temple" structure at Burning Man 2019 is illuminated with purple lights and spotlights from above, with a crowd of people and bicycles
Night8.0
A temporary, Gothic-cathedral-inspired structure, illuminated with pink and purple lights, is seen at night during the Burning Man festival.
The Burn8.0
A kaleidoscopic projection of colorful geometric patterns and floral motifs is cast onto a mirrored surface, reflecting a hand holding a str
Night8.0
A DJ performs for a large crowd at night under a patterned canopy at Burning Man 2019. The DJ is silhouetted against the bright lights of th
Night7.0