Guardian of Eden

Outside the Nevada Museum of Art in Reno stands a giant steel blossom. The sculpture, which debuted at Burning Man, is meant to inspire viewers to reflect on Earth’s ecological crisis.

Reno is a gathering point for many Burners before and after Burning Man, an annual event held in Nevada’s Black Rock Desert. The event is famous for its interactive art installations, and many residents are involved with different aspects of the event.  Art from Burning Man fills the city, and this sculpture was one of the first pieces to find a permanent home in Reno. 

“Guardian of Eden” was created by New York-based artist Kate Raudenbush, who often explores environmental issues through her work. Raudenbush describes her inspiration for “Guardian of Eden” as “a cross-pollination of Hindu and Egyptian creation myth, Buddhist symbolism, and the ancient symbol of the Flower Of Life.” At night, blue lights project an interlocking circular design onto the ground beneath the sculpture.

Built to withstand the harsh desert climate, the sculpture is made from structural steel. Each of the twelve petals are covered with intricate laser-cut designs. When the sculpture debuted in 2007, Burning Man’s theme was “The Green Man,” an exploration of how humans interact with nature.

Update as of June 2022: “Guardian of Eden” was removed from the plaza in front of the Nevada Museum of Art in May 2022 and will be installed on the campus of Truckee Meadows Community College during the summer.

Update as of July 2023: The sculpture is under construction and is not currently displayed outside the museum.