Namaskaram is a 16-foot-tall welcoming sculpture of a bowed head and joined hands, embodying reverence, hospitality, and shared humanity. Drawn from the traditional Indian greeting, this gesture signifies:
“The divine in me bows to the divine in you.”
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In our lead artist, Srikanth Guttikonda's vision, it will stand as a beacon of connection wherever it is installed. It inspires expressions of peace, respect, and empathy and invites visitors to pause, reflect, and feel welcomed.
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It debuted at Burning Man 2025 and is available for temporary installation or a permanent home.
Namaskaram rises gracefully, combining artistry with engineering:
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Head: 16 ft high, 9 ft wide, 16 ft deep
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Hands: 9 ft high, 5 ft wide, 6 ft deep
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Footprint: 30 ft × 30 ft
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Total weight: Approximately 1,300 lb​
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Materials: Structural steel armature, sculpted polystyrene foam, fiberglass/epoxy skin, steel bangles, and a laser-cut acrylic bindi with programmable LEDs.
At her forehead shines a celestial bindi — a programmable LED jewel of 469 pixels, shifting with the moon’s phases among other patterns. Each night it mirrors the sky above, grounding the viewer in nature’s cycles. Her vibrant, painted skin reflects the smooth transitions of our spotlights' programming.
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The 40 ft x 30 ft two-tone saree is handmade by our team using polyester ripstop fabric.
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Together, the bindi, the spotlights, and the saree transform her into a living presence after dark.
Namaskaram had a successful install at Burning Man 2025, and we are excited to bring it to more venues.
The Interaction
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Namaskaram isn’t just to be looked at — she’s meant to be met.
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Visitors are invited to write reflections on tags, prompted by the question:
"How do you like to greet others?"
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These offerings are tied to her bangles, forming a garland of collective intention — a living tapestry of community connection.
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At her base, a restful perimeter invites visitors to sit, talk, and find calm. Inside the back of her head, we created a cozy and meditative atmosphere, encouraging participants to rest, breathe, and be present.
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When placed at thresholds like The Keyhole in Black Rock City, she becomes a moment of transformation — where participants shed the weight of a space before stepping into another.
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The Build
Creating Namaskaram is a feat of art, engineering, and heart — led by artists Srikanth Guttikonda (Sri), Josh Zubkoff, Jewel Sheehan, and Lori-Ann DeVoe. Vamsita modeled for the project, and the sculpture’s face and hands were derived from her life casts.
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The build took place at Upside Artspace in San Francisco’s Mission District — a community workshop that has birthed many of our large-scale installations.
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