The Brainy Bar theme camp is embracing change at Burning Man and becoming Atomic Octopus! We have had an absolute blast building and bringing the Brainy Bar theme camp to Burning Man. Basically, we are ready for change and excited for the future.

To begin with, the name Atomic Octopus is something of a mash-up. The octopus symbolizes doing several different things, and we think that certainly sums us up nicely. We like making different kinds of art using different skills and tools. And the atomic part is a nod to Las Vegas, our camp’s hometown. Las Vegas picked up the nickname atomic city back in the days of above-ground nuclear tests.

Our camp members have created and brought several different theme camps to Burning Man over the years. Magic Hand camp, Manatee Love Society, Vault Of Hell, and Eridu Society to name a few. At this point we feel it is time to embrace change once again and dream up something new.

Tinkering With New Tools

While we plan the camp, we are continuing to have fun exploring generative AI tools for internet posts. Firstly, these tools help us learn how new technology works. They can help us write, plan, and share ideas. We are curious about the future of AI and creativity, so we are testing these tools in small ways online. Does it always work or even look right? Nope! The pictures in this post are a good example. There are a few things wrong in just about all these images.

At the same time, using AI for posts does not change the truth about our work. Our installation, sculptures, and experiences are created by people working side by side. Every detail comes from real effort, real skill, and real imagination. We believe technology can be a helpful tool. It does not replace the feeling of standing in front of something handmade. When you visit our art in Black Rock City, you are seeing human creativity in action.

But the art we are making for Black Rock City is very real. It is built by human hands, human hearts, and long hours of work. We cut, weld, paint, sew, and design together. Problems get solved by people in the dust and heat. We laugh, make mistakes, and try again. That human process is the soul of Atomic Octopus. Stay tuned. We will be posting about becoming Atomic Octopus in 2026, as well as looking back at past burns.

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