Perry Julien, an Atlanta-based photographer, is set to unveil his latest book, “It Was Better Next Year,” on April 18. This work encapsulates a decade of experiences at Burning Man, a festival that marks its 40th anniversary this year, dedicated to fostering community and artistic expression in the Nevada desert.
Julien has attended Burning Man almost every year since 2014, contributing to a local theme camp that provides meals for fellow attendees. Beyond his culinary contributions, he has captured the festival’s essence through his lens, resulting in a stunning compilation of 205 photographs included in his new book.
Art Over Assumptions
Many perceive Burning Man as a chaotic, drug-fueled escapade, but Julien highlights its true nature as an art festival. He states, “The artwork there is mindblowing and created just for the festival.” The festival serves as a vibrant platform for creativity, with installations and performances designed exclusively for this unique environment.
A Unique Structure
The book’s structure is inspired by the concept of the seven chakras, which represent energy centers in Buddhist and Hindu traditions. This innovative approach stems from a serendipitous encounter Julien had in 2022 at the festival. While exploring a large installation of quartz crystals with his wife, he met an artist who significantly influenced his project. After sharing a moment of connection, the artist gifted Julien a necklace of mala beads, mirroring a bracelet Julien had intended to give him. This profound experience prompted Julien to organize his book around the chakras, a decision that encapsulates the synchronicity often felt at Burning Man.
Collaboration and Curation
In crafting “It Was Better Next Year,” Julien collaborated with designer Mat Thorne, a longtime partner in his previous projects. Together, they sifted through over a thousand images to select those that truly captured the festival’s spirit. The final collection features a variety of subjects, including art installations, fire performers, and musical acts, but predominantly focuses on the attendees themselves. Julien emphasizes the importance of consent in his work, ensuring that each photograph is accompanied by a story that reflects the community ethos of Burning Man.
Immersive Experience
Julien aims for readers to feel a sense of immersion in the Burning Man environment through his book. He notes, “Burning Man really gives you that sense of being in the moment and noticing how much beauty is around us.” His goal is to evoke the emotions and experiences of being at the festival, even if just for a fleeting moment.
Launch Event Details
The book launch will take place at Worthmore Jewelers from 6 to 9 p.m. on April 18, featuring an artist’s talk at 7:30 p.m. Attendees can purchase the book and special prints, with all proceeds directed towards the food relief organization GoDharmic and the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies.
Final Thoughts
Perry Julien’s “It Was Better Next Year” not only showcases the artistic splendor of Burning Man but also celebrates the community it fosters. His photographs invite viewers to step into a world of creativity and connection, illuminating the profound experiences that define this iconic festival.
- Takeaways:
- Julien’s book features 205 images highlighting the essence of Burning Man.
- The book’s structure is inspired by the seven chakras, reflecting a deep connection to the festival’s themes.
- All proceeds from the launch event will support food relief and psychedelic research organizations.
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