Charon's Wheel: Burning Man's incredible installation comes to Paris this summer

It's a work as fascinating as it is intriguing. Peter Hudson 's " Charon's Wheel " is stopping off in France this summer as part of a European tour. Having already caught the eye of the people of Nantes in July 2022 at the Nantes Maker Campus, this monumental installation made its comeback in France from June 15 to 18 in Clisson as part of the new edition of Hellfest. We were lucky enough to discover this impressive artistic installation during the metal festival. But that's not all, as Peter Hudson's " Charon's Wheel " can also be seen free of charge in Paris from July 11 to 30, 2023, as part of the Paris l'été festival. " Charon's Wheel " will conclude its European tour in Antwerp, Belgium, in August.

In Paris, " Charon's Wheel " can be seen free of charge (no reservation required) every day from July 11 to 30, from 3 p.m. to midnight, on the Place de la Fontaine aux Lions at La Villette, in the 19th arrondissement.

So, what is this monumental work of art that so fascinates people the world over? " Charon's Wheel " was created in 2011 by Peter Hudson for Burning Man. This major gathering in the United States is held every year in the Black Rock Desert in Nevada. And every year, Burning Man unveils contemporary works that are as grandiose as they are original. Among them is Peter Hudson's " Charon's Wheel ". This work is an incarnation of Charon, the gondolier from Greek mythology who carried the souls of the dead across the River Styx.

Much more than a work of art, this wheel is a sculpture in motion. In concrete terms, it's a 20-meter-diameter spinning wheel where 20 dugout skeletons can be seen rowing in the void. To turn this large wheel, men, women and children are invited to pull on a series of ropes on either side of the wheel.

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And because large-scale zoetropes are part of Peter Hudson's creative universe, " Charon's Wheel " reveals a new face as soon as night falls. As daylight fades, the movement of the skeletons that populate this wheel is then illuminated by mesmerizing strobe lights.

So, can't wait to discover this fascinating and monumental collective installation by Peter Hudson? See you in Paris, at La Villette, from July 11 to 30, 2023, as part of the Paris l'été Festival.