Art has become the defining feature of Burning Man, as the festival continues to be a testing ground for a growing circle of artists seeking engaged audiences. Burning Man art installations are guided by the themes chosen by the festival organizers each year. The most compelling works are large-scale constructions that are burned at the end of this extraordinary event.

Whether you’ve missed the boat on a ticket or don’t have the funds for this year’s event, hopefully, this gallery will offer you a window into what goes down each year at Black Rock City. If you are one of the lucky people reading this in your disco sunnies about to head out to the desert — get inspired, get pumped, and enjoy.

For more details about Burning Man’s art throughout the years and the artists behind the installations, check out their Culture Historical Archives here.

* Note: This post is an expansion of the original, by Matador contributor Robyn Johnson, which was published on August 25, 2008.