PULSE
The Heart Rediscovered
A metaphor for rebirth, unity and resilience
First thing first we are thrilled and deeply grateful to have been awarded a Burning Man 2026 Honorarium!
Burning Man is one of the most unique and transformative events in the world and for us this is not just an award. It is an invitation to leave a mark on one of the most extraordinary human gatherings on Earth!
We invite you to learn more about the project, join us in our mission, and become co-creators alongside us!
Project Philosophy
The project features a large heart sunk in the desert sand of Black Rock City.
At its center, a deep crack resembles the root of a large tree.
Where does this heart come from? Did someone lose it? Or was it discovered? Is it injured? Or is it healing?
The intention of this project is to transform a single heart into a shared organ, a place where everyone can synchronize their breath, heartbeat, and attention. The fracture is not just pain, but the opposite; it is the gateway to love. The crack is not a failure, but a channel through which light, voice, and community can pass. Pulse represents a self-portrait of collective resilience: we all carry fractures that once seemed incurable; they have since become scars that we now embroider with light. If you carry a crack within you, come closer, for courage is contagious, and healing is a shared journey.
In the silence of the desert night, this heart-shaped sculpture becomes a metaphor for rebirth and unity, echoing the heartbeat of the Earth itself. It symbolizes vulnerability and truth: fragile yet resilient, always inviting introspection rather than escape.
Interactivity
The sculpture is designed to be contemplated and experienced as a living organism thanks to its pulsating light. Indeed, every 26 seconds a pulsating light occurs, reproducing the Earth's heartbeat. Furthermore, when a person touches the surface of the sculpure the crack lights up. This allows the heart rate sensors on the hand plates to translate a person's heartbeat into light.
Ways to Make a Difference – BE A CO-CREATOR!
PULSE, The Heart Rediscovered, relies almost completely on contributions from the community to sustain itself. The funding provided by the Burning Man Project grant accounts for just a fraction of what is needed to cover all costs. Everything beyond that depends on the generosity of individuals. No outside corporate backing is involved. The sculpture, The Heart, exists because ordinary people believe it’s worth creating.
We’d like you to feel like a co-creator of this project alongside us!
Please consider making a donation to support PULSE, The Heart Rediscovered
Every contribution, regardless of the amount, will be greatly appreciated and will be used to:
- Materials, structural elements and fabrication
- Structural engineering
- Lighting and power infrastructure
- Transportation to the Nevada desert
- On-site installation
- Environmental planning, sculpture dismantling
- Safety and Support for engineers and volunteers making it happen
Even if donating isn't an option for you, you can still make a real difference by passing this campaign along to your friends, loved ones, and those around you. Sharing our message helps us connect with more people who care. Together, let's create something truly wonderful!
We appreciate every form of support that allows our dream-project to flourish — whether it comes in the form of money, effort, or encouragement. Every contribution holds value, and none of it goes unnoticed or unappreciated.
With heartfelt thanks,
Pulse, The Heart Rediscovered Team
Perks
💓 Your name in the heart of the desert.
Your name will be engraved on the surface of PULSE and will remain there, under the sun and the stars of Nevada, for the entire duration of Burning Man 2026..and forever!
You'll receive a photo of your name written on the surface of the sculpure — a real moment, in a real place.
Because every heartbeat counts.
(Max 20 characters - characters means letters)
🔔 Send an email to: pulse.earthbeat@yahoo.com to receive your photo
Write "YOUR NAME - HEARTBEAT" in the Subject line
💫 Your name and your words, forever part of PULSE.
Your name and a phrase of your choice on the sculpture. It could be your personal mantra or a phrase you repeat to yourself every day.
You'll receive:
- a photo of your name + phrase engraved on the surface of the sculpure
- a personal video thank you.
Because the right words change everything.
(Max 40 characters - characters means letters)
🔔 Send an email to: pulse.earthbeat@yahoo.com to receive your photo and the personal video
Write "YOUR NAME - PULSE" in the Subject line
💥Leave a message the desert will keep.
Your name and a longer message engraved on the surface of PULSE.
An intention, a dedication, a blessing you carry with you. Enough space to say something real.
You'll receive:
- a photo of your phrase engraved on the surface of the sculpure
- a personal video thank you
- A "behind the scenes" content
Because some things deserve more space.
(Max 80 characters - characters means letters)
🔔 Send an email to: pulse.earthbeat@yahoo.com to receive your photo and your personal video
Write "YOUR NAME - SOUL" in the Subject line
🏆️ Some people don't just donate money.
They donate a piece of themselves. If you're here, at this level, you probably feel that PULSE belongs to you in some way. That this vertical crack, this wounded heart still standing, tells your story too. Send a message — something longer, true, something you carry inside.
It will be engraved with love on a side of the sculpture.
You'll receive:
- a photo of your name and phrase engraved on the surface of the sculpure
- a special mention in the campaign communications
- A personal call because we really want to know who you are and thankyou personally
This heart beats stronger because of you.
(Max 160 characters - characters means letters)
🔔 Send an email to: pulse.earthbeat@yahoo.com to receive your photo and to plan our call
Write "YOUR NAME - CORE" in the Subject line
Highlights
See all activity1Rewards
💘 This is how we want to thank you
"Your name in the Nevada desert"
We wanted to open our crowdfunding campaign without traditional rewards — or rather, the reward, is to have the donor's name engraved of the surface of the sculpture.
It could be your name, but also a motivational phrase or a personal intention.
We want to make it clear that we’re not interested in merchandising, but we want donors to leave a real, physical mark.
If you're an artist, you can leave us your Instagram profile and we'll write it on the sculpture surface
We want to create art by sharing art itself.
We also think these rewards are perfectly aligned with our project concept.
PULSE is about resilience, unity, the wounded heart that belongs to all of us. Having donors' names and phrases physically engraved on the sculpture transforms PULSE from an individual work into a collective one.
Moreover, the final photo it's personal, authentic, and creates a unique moment between us and each donor.
The heart literally becomes everyone's.
Thank you for your support!💫
Manuela & PULSE Team
Team
Manuela Magni
I first attended Burning Man in 2025 and I am grateful and honored to be returning to Burning Man for the second time with this project, which has received an honorary grant.
Last year I was fortunate to connect with Mauricio Guerrero, passionate artist who, with his hands and expertise, will bring Pulse to life.
In Milan, Italy—where I live and work—I have a wonderful job. I’m an interior design Tutor at a leading fashion and design school.
More than just teaching, I “inspire” my students and try to bring out the best in them. They do the same for me.
Alongside my academic work, I pursue my artistic endeavors. I create entirely analog collages that are the result of my introspective process.
I am truly humbled and excited to be joining all the team in Mexico where the project will take shape and to contribute to the design of Pulse.
Mauricio Guerrero
Mau is a fourth generation artist working across sculpture, photography, film, and interactive design.
Growing up on film sets in Mexico and later studying in Barcelona, he developed a practice that weaves together technology, immersive experience, and human connection.
For the last twenty five years, he’s created art and produced events globally—from street art and installations to interactive pieces using augmented reality and live technology. His work consistently explores how art can engage people not just visually, but physically and emotionally.
Activity
💓 Your name in the heart of the desert.
Your name will be engraved on the surface of PULSE and will remain there, under the sun and the stars of Nevada, for the entire duration of Burning Man 2026..and forever!
You'll receive a photo of your name written on the surface of the sculpure — a real moment, in a real place.
Because every heartbeat counts.
(Max 20 characters - characters means letters)
🔔 Send an email to: pulse.earthbeat@yahoo.com to receive your photo
Write "YOUR NAME - HEARTBEAT" in the Subject line
💫 Your name and your words, forever part of PULSE.
Your name and a phrase of your choice on the sculpture. It could be your personal mantra or a phrase you repeat to yourself every day.
You'll receive:
- a photo of your name + phrase engraved on the surface of the sculpure
- a personal video thank you.
Because the right words change everything.
(Max 40 characters - characters means letters)
🔔 Send an email to: pulse.earthbeat@yahoo.com to receive your photo and the personal video
Write "YOUR NAME - PULSE" in the Subject line
💥Leave a message the desert will keep.
Your name and a longer message engraved on the surface of PULSE.
An intention, a dedication, a blessing you carry with you. Enough space to say something real.
You'll receive:
- a photo of your phrase engraved on the surface of the sculpure
- a personal video thank you
- A "behind the scenes" content
Because some things deserve more space.
(Max 80 characters - characters means letters)
🔔 Send an email to: pulse.earthbeat@yahoo.com to receive your photo and your personal video
Write "YOUR NAME - SOUL" in the Subject line
🏆️ Some people don't just donate money.
They donate a piece of themselves. If you're here, at this level, you probably feel that PULSE belongs to you in some way. That this vertical crack, this wounded heart still standing, tells your story too. Send a message — something longer, true, something you carry inside.
It will be engraved with love on a side of the sculpture.
You'll receive:
- a photo of your name and phrase engraved on the surface of the sculpure
- a special mention in the campaign communications
- A personal call because we really want to know who you are and thankyou personally
This heart beats stronger because of you.
(Max 160 characters - characters means letters)
🔔 Send an email to: pulse.earthbeat@yahoo.com to receive your photo and to plan our call
Write "YOUR NAME - CORE" in the Subject line
