Ker-MESS
Mansonville, 2024
Ker-MESS is a sound camp I founded for l’Osstidburn, Quebec's Regional Burning Man event. The name comes from the French expression for 'carnival,' and the camp was built around a circus theme. It featured a big top-covered dance floor, a tarot reading tent, and a VIP section nestled under a parachute. The camp had 24 members and hosted activities over three days, including techno raves, burlesque performances, carnival games, and food pop-ups.
I led the camp, overseeing artistic direction, logistics, infrastructure, and lighting. Two co-leads managed food and day activities, as well as audio and power. Ker-MESS was a great success, and it would never have been possible without the incredible team behind it. Every campmate rose to the challenge of creating a larger-than-life circus, pouring all their energy and creativity into the project.
Ker-MESS was a techno circus set deep in the woods, where we had no access to water or electricity. This forced us to get creative in meeting our needs. In the weeks leading up to the event, we spent several weekends preparing the site. We leveled the ground, cleared tall grass, and made space for the necessary infrastructure
Over two days, we built an impressive setup that welcomed hundreds of dancers. We erected a 6-meter truss to support a large tarp and chapiteau, installed a complex lighting system, and transformed the space into a dreamy realm of disinhibition and psychedelia. I'm proud of how my team quickly crafted a mesmerizing atmosphere, creating memorable moments.
To build the big top, we erected a 6m truss. We had to level the ground for the base, assemble the truss (including replacing missing parts on the spot), and stabilize it with cinder blocks and ropes attached to each side. This design was surprisingly stable and we were able to easily climb up the structure to install the tarp and chapiteau.
On top of the truss, we installed a large tarp protecting us from the rain. We chose to use a 15m x 15m tarp, of which we reinforced the anchor points using wood. The tarp hung on top of a 25m ratchet strap attached to two large trees. Under the tarp, we used a chapiteau made out of 16 large pieces of red and yellow fabric. This created a beautiful circus effect, especially at night.
Ker-MESS hosted two night parties and one day party, where we encouraged participants to dress up to fit each event’s curated atmosphere. The night parties mainly featured techno music, while the day rave showcased a wider variety of acts. The flyers for each event were designed by one of the campmates using midjourney-generated assets.
Ker-MESS's stage featured a complex lighting installation, including projectors, strobes, flood lights, a disco ball, smoke machines, lasers, and incandescent light bulbs. During our day activities, we also served popcorn and cotton candy.
Setting up and powering our equipment was no small feat. Most of the lighting was mounted on the central truss, with some attached to nearby trees. Everything was connected via DMX and controlled from a central board. We powered the setup using a mix of large lithium batteries and generators, providing a total of 9,000W of power.
Power is always a puzzle. If you're planning something similar, I'd be happy to advise — you'd be surprised by how much nuisance a 2000W generator can cause.
Leading Ker-MESS was a very rewarding challenge. It was beautiful to see this group of burners come together to make art. Our team was able to create a sense of community that transpired throughout the event.
Despite rain and adversity, we danced and laughed for 5 days. Ker-MESS will burn again and I am excited for what is to come.
