Aphasia
2024
Aphasia is defined as “an impairment of language, affecting the production or comprehension of speech and the ability to read or write”. Lead artist Drewry Hanes’ interest in the concept stems from a Traumatic Brain Injury she sustained which rendered her unable to speak, causing life flight medics to label her as “non-verbal”. During her recovery, she began to use her healthcare and anthropological backgrounds to take a long self-inventory while also looking more deeply into the social constructs that affect communication.
This artwork examines different pathways of expression outside of traditional verbal communication, along with ways in which individuals and communities can be silenced, and in turn find alternative ways to express themselves. The work allows participants to take unique meaning from each panel and communicate their own thoughts and ideas through participation in the installation.
Through art, we are heard.
Aphasia @ Black Rock City
In 2024 over 28 Burning Man Artists from around the world and dozens of campers from Teddies Camp came together to create the interactive installation art piece known as Aphasia and bring it to Playa. During the Burn hundreds of Burning Man attendees contributed to the piece and many more visited. It was an incredible effort to be a part of.
FRAME 1
PANEL 1 AND 3 FRONT ARTIST - DREWRY HANES [BOZEMAN, MT, USA]
FRAME 1’s FRONT showcases neurofeedback imaging from artist and Traumatic Brain Injury survivor Drewry Hanes, as well as comments made to her during her ongoing recovery representing shame and toxic positivity. Panel 3 is a poem she wrote in response to the internal and external change she has experienced during this transition period in her life. The central panel represents her feeling about returning HOME to the Burn every year.
PANEL 1 AND 3 BACK ARTISTS - BURNER COMMUNITY
FRAME 1’s BACK showcases blank panels intended for interaction with the Burner Community. Engagement and reflection with the art, drawing, abstract art, and interacting among each other began. The central panel represents a voice mural from Teddies Camp members.
FRAME 2
PANEL 4 FRONT ARTISTS - TREVOR & AMANDA GRIBBLE [LIVINGSTON, MT, USA]
PANEL 6 FRONT ARTISTS - JESSICA & JOE LAUB [DENVER, CO, USA]
PANEL 6 BACK ARTIST - JESS MARVIN [SAN FRANCISCO, CA, USA]
PANEL 4 BACK ARTISTS - CLAIRE & NATHAN ATKISSON [NEW YORK, NY, USA]
FRAME 2 Illustrates the artists’ idea of home, be it a place, a concept, or the beings that constitute this safe place. Images are rendered through an artistic processor to lend a dream-like quality to the concepts presented. The central panels represent voice murals from Teddies Camp members.
FRAME 3
PANEL 7 FRONT ARTIST - MAR OROZCO ARANGO [NEW YORK, NY, USA]
PANEL 9 FRONT ARTISTS - OSCAR KHAZAM & SOFIA MARQUEZ [VALENCIA, VENEZUELA]
FRAME 3’s FRONT lends voice to members of communities who have often been overlooked, spoken for, or repressed by governmental or social systems. Artists use panels to express inner thoughts, dialogue, ideology, and frameworks to their communities. We see joy, pain, disruption, hope, and love. The central panels represent voice murals from Teddies Camp members.
PANEL 9 BACK ARTIST - SHANE BEAMS [BOZEMAN, MT, USA]
PANEL 7 BACK ARTISTS - DAVID MORENO [DENVER, CO, USA]
FRAME 3 BACK uses photography and writing to represent the dichotomy and union of Burners’ lives at Black Rock City and “in the Default”. Examining these two selves by comparing and contrasting we see ourselves in others. The central panels represent voice murals from Teddies Camp members.
FRAME 4
PANEL 10 FRONT ARTIST - DAVID CLUMPNER [ST. IGNATIUS, MT, USA]
PANEL 12 FRONT ARTISTS - LUCAS LOUDON & SAGE NIA [SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA]
PANEL 12 BACK ARTIST - SEVERIN KOLLER [VIENNA, AUSTRIA]
PANEL 10 BACK ARTIST - AYNI KOLLER [LOS ANGELES, CA]
FRAME 4 Illustrates the artists’ concept of “self” through the medium of photography. Without using words and with a broad mandate, artists were encouraged to find or take photos that communicated how they viewed their authentic self. The central panels represent voice murals from Teddies Camp members.
FRAME 5
PANEL 13 FRONT ARTIST - ELLA MAHONEY [NEW YORK, NY, USA]
PANEL 15 FRONT ARTIST - JENN LI [LOS ANGELES, CA, USA]
PANEL 15 BACK ARTIST - NUNO LEIERA [VALENCIA, SPAIN]
PANEL 13 BACK ARTISTS - KEN & LINDSAY FICHTLER [MISSOULA, MT, USA]
FRAME 5 represents artists’ intersections of self and the world through art. Be it painting, coding, photography - the modern era has created a multitude of media to expand definitions of “art” and how we both create and communicate with the world around us. The central panels represent voice murals from Teddies Camp members.
FRAME 6
PANEL 16 FRONT ARTIST - SPENCER WILKINSON [HELENA, MT, USA]
PANEL 18 FRONT ARTIST - JOHN WINKS [NEWAYO, MI, USA]
PANEL 18 BACK ARTIST - HAMISH WHITE / ALTUM [SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA]
PANEL 16 BACK ARTIST - STEVE SZUMSKI [LOS ANGELES, CA, USA]
FRAME 6 depicts images of DJs engaging with their art. Music from their sets are rendered visually and overlaid to illustrate the tangible act of how music as an art form is able to engage with individuals and communities. The central panels represent voice murals from Teddies Camp members.
APHASIA BURNING MAN BUILD TEAM - 2025
L -> R: JOHN WINKS, DREWRY HANES, NUNO LEIERA