Bummer
The American dream……..justice, liberty and the pursuit of happiness is supposedly the very fabric
of this great nation. These admirable values have enticed people from around the world to come
here in search of a better life. Thinking big and striving for greatness is encouraged and the opportunity
to get ahead is possible for all. Making money, and lots of it, is an important part in the
American dream with an omnipresent incessant desire for a more luxurious lifestyle.
The truth about what is really going on behind the scenes is quite different. On a global level
America has an atrocious track record for using its financial strength and military power to get what
it wants, very often using bullying tactics to keep the wheels of the American economy well
greased. The media is controlled by corporations that feed the public a contrived and carefully
manipulated version of the American dream.
Historically, this dream stems from the old pioneer days when settlers would set off in wagons
across the plains in search of new land on which to make a home. The modern day version of this
wagon is the Suburban Utility Vehicle or SUV. Cars have become an integral part of American
culture, which are used not only as a form of transportation but also as a symbol of prosperity.
The Hummer or Humvee has become an interesting phenomenon in American culture. Originally
the Hummer was manufactured as a military vehicle and in 1992 was introduced into the civilian
market. This 5.4 ton machine offers exceptional speed, mobility and agility, and is built upon a
multi-purpose platform which will accommodate a broad range of configurations. Humvees feature
full-time four wheel independent suspension, steep approach and departure angles, 60 percent
gradeability and 16 inches of ground clearance. Humvees are currently in use by the U.S. Army,
Marine Corps, Air Force and Navy at locations throughout the United States and overseas.
Currently the civilian version (not much different to the military one) is largely used by families to
drive around suburbia and cities, but rarely sees off road utilization. You might wonder why any
family needs to drive around town in a 1.25 ton military style machine, which has been heralded as
"the world’s most serious 4x4". Much of this has to do with a type of "King of the road" mentality
which is a consequence of the "all mighty, all powerful" American dream.
Project description
Build a super size Hummer 2 ½ times bigger than the original model measuring 38 feet long x 18
feet wide x 16 feet high. Half of the Hummer will be painted in military camouflage markings and
the other half will be painted in a bright sporty yellow color. These polar opposites are intended to
be seen as a metaphor for the Jeckle and Hyde nature of the American dream. We are constantly
shown images of the armed forces in Iraq patrolling the bombed out neighborhoods of Baghdad in
their Hummers. Seconds later during the commercial break, there will be images of sporty
Hummers climbing rugged mountain sides or racing across the salt flats of Nevada.
The Hummer is emblematic of a system that thrives on creating illusions of grandeur. How much of
the oil from the wells of Iraq will be used to fuel American, sporty, gas guzzling SUV's? But hey
let's not think about that too much…gotta have one!
The Structure
The main structure of the Humvee body will be built using lumber (2x4's, 2x6's, 2x8's and 2x10's)
as well as large wooden (4x12) beams in the sub-structure. The main body will be covered with
¼ inch thick plywood, which will be painted on site. The Humvee has a square design which
means that it should be relatively easy to build. Original CAT wheels from a quarry truck
(see picture) will be transported to the site and attached to the sub-structure. CAT will be contacted
to donate 4 of these wheels.
My contracting company is currently working with a Swedish Architectural group that has offered to
design the hummer and prepare precise blueprints on how best to engineer, construct and erect
this structure. A Humvee is wider than it is taller which means that it's very stable and should not
need any additional tethering. If we decide to burn the Hummer we will remove the CAT tires
beforehand.
The BM participants can climb up steps mounted on the back platform to go inside the structure. .
People can use the deck to hang out and enjoy an elevated view of the surroundings. Inside the
main cabin there will be a laminated questionnaire with the following questions:
1) When you see a Humvee in the street how does it make you feel?
2) Do you consider cars to be part of the American dream?
3) Are Humvees and Iraq part of the American dream?
4) Should the Humvee burn on Saturday night?
There will be a pad of paper and pencils available for people to write down their answers which will
be placed in a box inside the cabin. Over the course of the week these same questions will also
be asked during live interviews held with the viewers. These interviews will be filmed and both the
verbal and written responses will be uploaded onto our website on a daily basis.
The Hummer is a catalyst for stimulating discourse on some of the fundamental ideals underpinning
the American dream. This project is not intended to condone or condemn American values
but instead provoke thought on social principals and political standards.
Participate
How can you help make this project a reality for BM 2008?
We are currently seeking fun loving folks in the following areas:
This is going to be one helluvan adventure!
Structural engineer to help us design a safe and solid structure
Carpenters Able bodied motivated enthusiasts with a good knowledge of building, especially wood frame construction. Adventurous spirit a must
Electrician to help with hooking up 500 feet of EL wire, inverters, chasers and laser lights
General help to lug around bits of plywood and timber during the construction period as well as helping with the camouflage painting
People to document the interviews which will take place with the public and how they interact with the Humvee during the week of Burningman
General needs
Money since the funds granted by the BM art committee will only be sufficient to cover 50% of the projected costs we will need to raise the second 50%. All donations gladly accepted
A space in NYC (preferably Williamsburg bklyn) to build the structure
A space in NYC to throw a benefit party
Transportation to ship a part or all of the structure from NYC to the playa
Materials : Generator, jerry cans, EL or other type of rope lighting, lighting gel, flashing bike lights, OSB plywood, screws, paint, tarps, plexi glass, Paslode cordless framing nail gun
Shade structure to use during the building of the structure the week before the main BM event begins
Contact: visualpower (at) gmail (dot) com