For those of us who have never experienced Burning Man firsthand, the annual happening in Black Rock City can feel mysterious. What does it mean to build a city from nothing? What do attendees do all week? What exactly is so magical about trudging around in the desert at the hottest time of year? James Cole provides a rare glimpse into the daily life of Burning Man in “Timelapse-icus Maximus,” a tilt-shift video filmed at this year’s event. In addition to gorgeous, overhead shots of Black Rock, we see participants constructing massive art projects, performing costumed rites, and riding around in crazy, homemade vehicles. The festival looks even more beautiful by neon-lit night — and, of course, the “Burn Night” footage (although some of it was apparently lost) is thrilling. Take a virtual trip to Nevada after the jump, and indulge your curiosity further by visiting our gallery of Burning Man 2011 photos.
[via Laughing Squid]