Navagunjara Reborn: The Phoenix of Odisha

Burning Man 2025 Honoraria Arts Grant

A sculptural installation merging the Navagunjara and the Phoenix—two ancient mythical creatures from vastly different cultures. This piece stands as a beacon of resilience and unity, symbolic of eternal truth and rebirth, expressed through the medium of Odisha's rich artistic traditions.

The Phoenix has been prevalent in popular culture for time immemorial, rising from the ashes into our collective consciousness ever so often. The Navagunjara on the other hand, is a less familiar beast. Composed of nine different animals, this avatar of Vishnu represents the truth as multifaceted - with infinite possible perceptions. The fusion of these two mythical beings celebrates the resilience of tradition, the beauty of transformation, and the power of unity in diversity.

In the spirit of the Phoenix, "Navagunjara Reborn" is being designed with interactive flame effects, inviting participants to honor their own personal journeys of rebirth, immersed in the ancient arts of Odisha.

Check out the Navagunjara 3D model with the DeepGIS web application: https://deepgis.org/label/3d/