A MAGICAL AGORA IN THE DESERT
This project is a beautiful piece of the Désert art !
Confronted with the excesses of our contemporary lifestyles,
the Midas Tear serves as both an ecological warning and a symbolic call for collective awareness.
Crafted from wood, this “tear” represents a drop of oxygen—decarbonizing the future while reawakening our imagination.
It invites us to reflect on new ways of living and designing, through architecture that harmonizes with
and draws inspiration from the natural world.
May 2026 - The artwork is real.
June 2026 - The journey has begun.
The dream is already in motion.
Now, we need your help !
Please contribute & share our crowdfunding !
THE LEAD ARTIST/AUTHOR
ARTIST – DESIGNER – BUILDER
CREATOR OF SYMBIOTIC ART
Michael Feneux is a visionary and multidisciplinary artist, designer, and builder whose work merges art, architecture, sacred geometry, and ecological innovation. As the lead artist of the « Tears of Midas » project, he is proposing a monumental 12-meter wooden version of this iconic installation for the 40th anniversary of Burning Man in 2026.
Michael Feneux’s artistic vision is deeply rooted in forests, which he considers archetypal spaces of life, intelligence, and interconnectedness. A leading figure in the European timber industry, he brings together passionate professionals from the forestry and wood sectors.
Feneux is a world specialist in the geometry of zomes—and in biomimetic forms inspired by diamonds that echo floral patterns, mandalas, and the hidden geometries of life. He creates large-scale, immersive wooden structures that function simultaneously as sculpture, architecture, and a social ritual space. These structures invite visitors to enter forms evoking a mythical tree, a living sanctuary, and an experience connecting the infinitely large to the infinitely small.
« The Tears of Midas » is conceived as a wooden « drop of oxygen, » symbolizing forests as the lungs of the planet and linking the work to the cycles of air, carbon, light, water, and regeneration.
More than a sculpture, it is an invitation to contemplation, a source of emotional reflection on life, and a reminder of our interdependence with all living beings.
This archetypal parable, conceived by the artist, reinterprets the myth of King Midas as a wake-up call, a warning against reducing nature—and forests in particular—to a mere source of wealth.
It critiques the rampant consumerism and exploitation that are ravaging ecosystems worldwide. Sculpted from living wood, the artwork stands as both a warning and an invitation to a better world: to cherish nature before it is too late, to slow the pace of endless development, and to place life and nature at the heart of human culture. In this sense, The Tears of Midas embodies “awakening,” reminding us that true wealth lies in life itself, in love, beauty, and the contemplation of all forms of life.
The installation also serves as an open-air agora, conducive to meditation, exchange, and sharing. Its vertical chimney, connecting earth and sky, echoes the axis of a tree trunk, transforming the structure into a collective ritual space, like a forest, where participants gather like an ephemeral human canopy in the desert.
Drawing on his international experience managing complex timber constructions in challenging environments, Michaël Feneux combines artistic vision, practical building expertise, and collaborative, low-environmental-impact methods.
His work brings together master carpenters and artist-builders from around the world to create symbolic projects that envision a regenerative social transformation—what he calls “the birth of symbiotic architecture.”
THE TEARS OF MIDAS COLLECTIVE !
– Michael Feneux (lead Artist): Lead artist for « The tear of Midas » 2026, Art builder with international expérience (France, Luxembourg, export in caucasus, built art structures in 44°C heat in India, exhibition of his work at the Grand Palais, the world’s largest rammed earth dome of Satprem Maïni… )
– Arthur Mamou-Mani (Advisor): Architect, lead artist of Galaxia 2018, Catharsis 2020
– Benoit « CONDOR » Bergeret: Benoit “[B3]CONDOR” Bergeret, Temples 2016 (build crew), 2017 (build co-lead), 2018 (build co-lead, temple crew camp lead), The Folly 2019 (build crew & camp lead), Temple 2024 (build crew)
– Isabelle Mas: régional contact for BM France
– Cécile Ravaux: Folly 2019 Team , co présidente of French burners et Crème Brulée
– Duncan Brefort: Advisor and network facilitator He is a Burner since 2011. DPW / Resto since 2017 (Artery Construction Crew). He participated to Death Guild Thunderdome since 2019. And the Temple Buliders Guild 2025.
– Fifi, Philippe Steinmann : He is a close friend of The Tear of Midas Collective and our trusted contact in Gerlach. He offers precious guidance and steady support, playing an important role in connecting the project with the local Burning Man environment and community.
– Charlie Formenty : She is a Franco-American artist and creative director, widely recognized within the Burning Man community, where she has been actively involved for nearly 20 years. She is the Artistic Director of Pixom and has contributed to numerous large-scale creative and immersive projects over the years.
– Mamat the cantalou : He is a great french Builder ! He played a key role in the first raising of The Tear of Midas in France. A dedicated hands-on builder, he will be one of the lead builders overseeing the assembly and installation of the artwork on the playa at Burning Man.
– Alexandre Urréa : he works as a television studio stage manager, heavy equipment operator, and skilled builder. He brings his technical expertise to large-scale artistic projects and was part of the team that carried out the first raising of Belaĵo, the Climate Agora created by Michaël Feneux for Paris.
Deeply connected to collective artistic communities, he is also involved in alternative cultural spaces such as Le Shakirail in Paris, a collaborative venue dedicated to art, experimentation, and social engagement. He will be our R.I.D.E referent during the Burning Man 2026.
Mily Allgood : She is a dedicated and talented volunteer who contributed to the construction of Belaĵo, Michaël Feneux’s Climate Agora project in Paris. She was also present at this year’s Burning Man France gathering “Crème Brûlée,” actively engaged in the community. For Burning Man 2026, she will take on the role of MOOP / Leave No Trace (LNT) lead, helping ensure that our presence on the playa remains fully aligned with Burning Man’s environmental principles.
Stephane Rozand :
Stéphane Rozand is a French sculptor and metal artist based in Argenteuil, near Paris. Working from the Ateliers d’Argenteuil collective, he specializes in welding and metal fabrication, transforming reclaimed materials into large-scale sculptural works.
For The Tear of Midas at Burning Man 2026, Stéphane will be part of the core build team responsible for the installation and elevation of the sculpture. He will play a key role in the construction and assembly of the metal supporting structure, as well as in the installation of the ground anchoring system required for the stability of the artwork on the playa.
His technical expertise in metalwork and structural assembly makes him a key member of the team bringing the sculpture safely and successfully to life in Black Rock City.
-Woody : She is a French visual artist and sculptor who transforms everything she encounters — objects, memories, and even emotional residues such as old stories and sorrows — into playful and colorful artistic creations. Each of her works carries a hidden signature and is always accompanied by a small narrative. Her art is joyful, whimsical, and vibrant, designed to bring color, curiosity, and lightness into everyday life. “Bring her an object, and she will transform it.”
She holds a PhD in Arts and Art Sciences (Visual Arts specialization) and has a strong background as an art educator, facilitator, and trainer with the Ateliers d’Argenteuil collective.
For The Tear of Midas at Burning Man 2026, WOODY will serve as assistant to Stéphane Rozand during the build and installation phase on the playa, particularly supporting the metal structure and anchoring system assembly. She will also be one of the camp leads for The Midas Tear Collective Camp, bringing her artistic sensibility, organizational skills, and joyful energy to the collective experience.
-Bryan Lemmel, is an American carpenter and zome builder, and an active member of the FestiZome community. He brings strong expertise in timber construction, geometric structures, and alternative architectural systems.
For The Tear of Midas at Burning Man 2026, Bryan will be a key member of the build team in the United States. He will play a central role in the construction and assembly of the structure on the playa, with specific responsibility for tools, equipment management, and energy systems needed for the build process.
His practical experience in carpentry and zome geometry wooden structures makes him an essential contributor to the successful realization of the installation in Black Rock City.
– Brice Mattey, is a French sculptor and clay artist whose work explores joy, playfulness, and collective creation. His iconic Love Shake sculptures are inhabitable worlds where art becomes a shared experience, inviting people to gather, interact, and celebrate life together.
Karie Marie Høyvik Holmstrøm : she is a friend of the collective from Norway. She will serve as one of the camp leads for The Tear of Midas at Burning Man 2026.
She has been actively supporting the project in its preparation phase, contributing to the overall organization and helping develop the camp layout and spatial planning ahead of the event.
– Luke Skylyr : He is a close friend of the collective in the United States and an active member of the Zometool community, dedicated to geometric construction systems and collaborative building practices.
For The Tear of Midas at Burning Man 2026, he will serve as the lead facilitator of a cooperative Zometool-based experience on the camp, running throughout the event and inviting participants to build, create, and explore geometric structures together in a shared process of construction and play.
He will also be responsible for the lighting design of the installation site, developing a system based on phyllotactic geometry (inspired by natural growth patterns) to illuminate the artwork and its surrounding environment.
– Georges Amir Kunzler, Watsu and Yoga teacher. Zome builder, and member of the festizome community
– Sylvain Carresse, is a great french carpenter and a trusted collaborator who regularly build with Michaël Feneux in his construction projects. He will be a key member of the crew.
-Tom Bonhomme : He is a French architect. He met Michaël Feneux in India during the construction of the world’s largest rammed-earth dome. He later contributed to the raising of Belaĵo, the Climate Agora for Paris, a monumental installation by Michaël Feneux.
For The Tear of Midas at Burning Man 2026, Tom will be part of the core build team, actively involved in the construction and on-site assembly of the camp and structural elements of the artwork.
– Yogan Bredel, is a famous french art carpenter, having participated in the reconstruction of Notre Dame, traveled the world to write his book on cabins, and is the founder of the Cabana wood chip carpentry group.
Yogan participated with his friends from the Copeau Caban collective in the first raising of The Tear of Midas in France, as well as in its preparation for container shipping. He also contributed by building benches designed for visitors to sit and experience the artwork at its base.
For The Tear of Midas at Burning Man 2026, his contribution reflects a strong commitment to collective making, hospitality, and the creation of welcoming spaces around the installation.
– Gab Lasserre : he is a young apprentice carpenter within the Copeau Caban collective, learning wood construction alongside Yogan. He participated in the first raising of The Tear of Midas in France and contributed to the fabrication of wooden platforms used to create benches for visitors at the base of the sculpture.
For The Tear of Midas at Burning Man 2026, he represents the new generation of builders involved in collective craftsmanship and hands-on artistic construction.
-Maël Favard, he is a young welder and emerging metal artist from the Copeau Caban network, currently developing his practice in artistic welding and metal sculpture. He actively contributed to the first raising of The Tear of Midas in France, working within the welding team responsible for the custom fabrication of the structural steel arches and large openings of the sculpture.
For The Tear of Midas at Burning Man 2026, he will continue to be part of the hands-on build team, contributing his growing expertise in metalwork and structural assembly.
– Damian Pinardi : Friend of Yogan, he is a great carpenter with a passion for woodworking tools and axe hewing.
– Jean Baptiste Dangin is a French winemaker and artist working with Champagne and natural wines. As part of The Tear of Midas Collective Camp, he will share his craft at Black Rock City through curated tastings and immersive sensory experiences.
He will also take part in the French Bar & Cabaret night on September 3rd, 2026, contributing to a collective celebration of French culture, music, and hospitality on the playa.
Its aura invites us to envision new models of living—rooted in cooperation, creativity, and the power to re-enchant our world.
Standing before a 40-foot wooden tear, we are moved by what collective effort and compassionate collaboration can create. The Midas Tear was born from a shared desire to craft a symbol that offers Burners—and the world—a message of optimism, unity, and hope for the future.
This original work of art calls us to enter the Agora of the Future—a space for connection, reflection, and transformation. As we emerge, we are changed: nourished by the light of truth, and inspired by a renewed sense of shared sacredness.
This monumental landmark invites gathering, contemplation, and communion—a reference point where Burners unite in shared wonder.
Shaped like a drop, The Tear of Midas finds its deepest meaning in the heart of the desert, where it rests like a jewel within the vast expanse.
Crafted in golden proportions, this artwork stands as both a symbol of water and the embodiment of human emotion. It brings a quiet drama to its surroundings—balancing the rigor and harmony of its design with the vitality and depth of the feelings it stirs.
The Midas Tear is an open agora—a space for reflection, connection, and communion with nature.
Visitors can meditate, join speaking circles, or simply sit inside this giant wooden droplet to feel its energy. From sunset to dawn, it pulses with acoustic music and drums, while LED lighting and video mapping transform it into a glowing beacon—a lighthouse in the desert.
Its ever-changing shadows, cast by the sun or illuminated at night, invite wonder, contemplation, and the memory of a unique, extraordinary moment.
The soaring, self-supporting form of the structure, the harmony of its curves, and the way its shadows stretch across the desert make it a striking work of fine art, perfectly suited to the Burning Man landscape.
This wooden symbol of ecology and the preciousness of nature shines like a drop of gold in the desert. Visitors can experience the artwork as an open gathering space. Its cardinal points align with four grand temple doors, each 16 feet tall, inviting people to explore, gather, and connect.
Circular at its equator, the structure evokes a small wooden Eiffel Tower or a cathedral bell tower—at once modern, sacred, and mythological. Its spire rises as a 24-foot cosmo-telluric chimney, forging a powerful connection between earth and sky.
PHILOSOPHY
The Tear of Midas embodies this paradox, standing at the intersection of civilization’s excess and the joy of simply contemplating life. Midas’s wish—that everything he touched would turn to gold—became a curse: all he loved deteriorated, and despair took hold. His final golden tear marked a moment of clarity: true wealth lies not in riches, but in life itself, in love, in beauty, and in the contemplation of all living things.
Carved from living wood, the Tear serves as both a warning and an invitation: to cherish nature before it is too late, to free ourselves from the scourge of endless exploitation. In an age of excess, it calls us to reflect on the challenges of the 21st century—ecological transition, responsible action, and harmonious coexistence with the natural world.
What is truly precious? What gives life meaning?
The Tear of Midas reminds us that harmony with nature is the path to awakening.
The myth tells us …
.The original myth of King Midas and Dionysus, god of ecstasy, explores the pursuit of happiness while warning against greed and the blind accumulation of wealth. It challenges us to seek what is truly essential and to confront the despair of obsession.
King Midas once took Dionysus’ father, who was wandering in a drunken state, into his kingdom. In gratitude, Dionysus offered to grant Midas any wish.
Midas wished that everything he touched would turn to gold. At first, he gained immense wealth, but soon his gift became a curse: everything he touched died, stripping him of all happiness. Unable to eat, drink, or love, he was overwhelmed with despair and begged for the gift to be taken away.
To rid himself of this torment, Midas bathed, returning to a life of balance and normalcy.
We are living through a historical era, we are shifting paradigms, and this symbolic parable questions us about the challenges of the 21st century, the ecological transition, and how we can act.
We must become aware of the role and effectiveness of nature, take care of it, and keep it close to us, as if it were made of gold… Nature is so precious that it determines our future on the planet.
How can we protect landscapes and enhance living things on an urban scale?
This call for symbiosis is the key to awakening.