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The Argus draws inspiration from the myth of Argus Panoptes, Hera’s loyal, watchful companion. In mythology, Argus was tasked with watching Io, Zeus’s beloved, after Hera turned her into a heifer. However, this sculpture reimagines Argus not as a guardian born from jealousy but as a benevolent presence, lovingly watching over the community.
Standing seven feet tall, The Argus is a multimedia installation: a projection-mapped, multi-eyed creature accompanied by story-driven soundscapes about friendship, dating, love, and food. Like us, The Argus finds two eyes inadequate to grasp the vastness of the human experience. A third eye emerges, symbolizing deeper understanding and communication.
The installation features an ASMR-inspired “eroscape” developed by Erica Quitzow, layering intimate sounds that heighten the emotional resonance of the piece and invite visitors into reflective moments.
Team:
Sophi Kravitz – sculpture, concept
Erica Quitzow – sound engineering, concept
Eric Mortensen – projection art
Jessica Barry – narrative, voiceover
Max/ Elle Henstell – third eye oscilloscope visuals
Brian O’ Clair – third eye visuals
Exhibitions:
Disorient’s Country Club, Shandaken, NY (2024)
Barning Arts Festival, Rosendale, NY (2024)
Aestival Franklin, NY (2024)
Funding: We are deeply honored to receive a grant from New York League of Arts, which reaffirms our commitment to the Burning Man community and artistic expression through “The Argus” installation.
Oliver Tanner inspects the nose. We used Paltiya concrete mix to hand sculpt this.
Sophi Kravitz and Erica Quitzow painting the crown.
The cardboard armature underneath the concrete.
The Argus prior to painting.