Every one of us started in our mother's womb. T

There is a part of us that yearns for that place.

A space for rest, nourishment, love, and connection.

That is Mayu.

MAYU is an immersive experience inspired by a cocoon’s revitalizing safety, a womb’s warm embrace.

As you approach MAYU, you see a crimson mound growing out of the playa.

Soft circular light emanates from its walls. Flexible solar panels cover its southern face.

The bent reed construction consists of bundled arches that radiate out from a central anchoring point like the ribs of a clam shell.

The reed frame is skinned with layers of warm-colored textiles made of used parachutes.

An inconspicuous entrance leads to a covered perimeter hallway that opens into the Womb.

The Womb is a space devoid of straight lines and corners. It holds you in its embrace.

Mayu's amplified sounds and soft materials allow for play, gentle movement, and rest.

Mayu's message is that we are all one. It reminds us of where we come from and that that place is inherently the same place for all of us.

Although we were inside separate wombs, the space of the wombs and the experience of dwelling inside them were similar.

Evoking that special shared chapter in our lives, we can convene and share time in Mayu to regain a refreshed sense of inspiration and positive, loving energy before moving out into the world.

Follow our instagram to see our progress!

Project Budget

Mayu is a self-funded art project. We have not received any financial support from Burning Man. We are able to keep costs low by using free and borrowed materials and support from our community.

About the Crew

The Mayu build crew is an international group of creative like-minded human beings that care about the planet. They all have a variety of experience with on-playa build, including projects like Oxytocin in 2022, the Temple of Grace in 2014 and the Amphora Love Potion Collective Artcar.

Emi Watanabe is the main driving force behind Mayu. She is an Industrial Designer known for her eclectic skillset and creation of diverse experiences. Her journey has included running a farm-to-table restaurant, designing and fabricating large-scale steel sculptures, and designing and overseeing assembly-line production of radios, satellites, and mechanical medical devices.

Now a nomad, Emi explores the world, seeking new stories and ideas awaiting creation.

2024 is her third year leading fabrication and build and her ninth year supporting design and build on Playa. Some notable projects include Temple Galaxia in 2018, Roshanai in 2016, and Celestial Mechanica in 2014.

See more of her work here.

MAYU

By Art with Arundo

MAYU

Outer playa wombspace