Spotlight

Articles and stories

By Bridger Swinimer

Bridger Swinimer 3/17/25 Bridger Swinimer 3/17/25

Celebrating Holi - North Carolina - 2025

The throwing of colors is seen as a way to celebrate the joy and vibrancy of life and to spread love and happiness among family and friends.

Holi is a Hindu festival that has been celebrated since ancient times.

The festival is celebrated on the last full moon in the lunar month of Phalguna (usually in March)

The night before Holi, people light bonfires to say goodbye to winter and signify the destruction of evil and the victory of good.

The throwing of colors is seen as a way to celebrate the joy and vibrancy of life and to spread love and happiness among family and friends.

What I saw in North Carolina was only a very small portion of the holiday so, I will be providing links for those that want to learn more.

Charlotte, NC. 3/15/2025

Article and images by Bridger Swinimer

Sources: IndiaToday Wiki HinduAmerican

My very small taste of Holi was an amazing experience surrounded by respectful and joyful energy. The air was filled with vibrant colors, laughter, and the sounds of celebration.

Once a deeply traditional festival rooted in mythology and community bonding, has increasingly become a commercial spectacle. What was once a simple celebration with homemade natural colors, folk songs, and family gatherings has evolved into large-scale, ticketed events with celebrity DJs, synthetic color powders, and branded sponsorships. While its growing popularity has introduced many to Indian culture, it has also led to a version of Holi that is often more about profit than tradition. Despite these concerns, efforts are being made to keep Holi authentic. Many communities are promoting sustainable celebrations, encouraging the use of natural colors, and focusing on traditional practices, preparing festive foods, and strengthening social bonds.

Ultimately, the challenge is to embrace Holi’s global appeal without losing its heart. While commercialization is inevitable in today’s world, celebrating with awareness, respect, and a genuine understanding of the festival’s roots can help preserve its true essence.

Bridger Swinimer 12/3/24 Bridger Swinimer 12/3/24

Pillow Fight NYC Washington Square Park (April 2023)

Every spring, New Yorkers ditch the usual pace of life and embrace their inner child in one of the city’s most delightfully chaotic traditions

Article and images by Bridger Swinimer

(the first Saturday of April)

This high-energy event draws crowds of participants and spectators.

A friendly clash of fluff, this event turns the park into a battlefield of pure joy, where the only weapons allowed are soft and harmless. This event is more than just a playful gathering. It has become a way for people to connect and share a moment of fun in the middle of the city. Families, tourists, and locals unite, breaking down barriers through laughter and simple joy. The pillow fight is a reminder of how small, carefree moments can bring people closer. Sometimes a little silliness is exactly what we need.

Strangers bond and form spontaneous “teams” or engage in one-on-one “duels,” all while respecting the playful nature of the activity. The shared goal of having fun and releasing stress allows an unspoken connection among participants. Even bystanders and photographers get drawn into the energy, capturing moments of joy and unity.

In previous years, hundreds of pillows were donated to shelters across New York, including locations in Brooklyn and the Bronx, supporting individuals in need, and ensuring that the fun translates into meaningful aid for the community.

Strangers who might otherwise never interact come together, It’s a moment where cultural, social, and linguistic divides fade, replaced by laughter, shared smiles, and a collective sense of fun, engaging in the universal language of play.

For a brief moment, participants step away from societal pressures, embracing the freedom to be spontaneous and playful. These moments of pure, carefree enjoyment spark creativity and encourage interaction, offering a much needed break from the relentless demands of work and routine. Life doesn’t always need to be serious. Through shared, uncommercialized experiences, these events reclaim space for simple fun and human connection, helping people rediscover the joy of living in the moment.

Highlight video from this event linked below

Washington Square Pillow fight 4/15/2023.

Bridger Swinimer 12/1/24 Bridger Swinimer 12/1/24

Art and Revelry: Exploring the Unconventional Events of Doomvana. Detroit mi (2023-2024)

Live Witch Trials, Sideshow acts, body suspension, burlesque, Live Music and So. Much. BLOOD!

Live Witch Trials, Sideshow acts, body suspension, burlesque, Live Music. and So. Much. BLOOD!

Article and images created by Bridger Swinimer

“What unfolds at events hosted by Doomvana is a powerful display of self-expression, where individuals break free from societal norms and embrace their truest selves, unfiltered and unapologetic”

Events host, organizer and artist Silvana Sanchez (AKA Doomvana)

Silvana Sanchez-

I was born in Venezuela, a small little country in South America ruled under a dictatorship.

I saw this dictatorship unfold before my eyes while growing up.

things got more complicated, more violence, more oppression, and more poverty…

National channels would get shut down by the government If they spoke any negative news about the government. My teenage years were spent around riots and no school days because the streets were dangerous (during elections) Naturally, I was already into alternative music and anything outside of the norm, dark movies, especially post-apocalyptic sci-fi stuff were an escapism from reality for me.

I was able to move to the United States back in 2019 when I was 26 years old

I had all of these pent-up ideas of everything I wanted to do that I simply couldn’t in my home country, whether it was over not having the financial means or it was probably illegal (haha). I started doing events that are usually a melting pot of different alternative lifestyles and hobbies to show people each side of the coin.

To show people a different world within their own world.

What initially inspired you to create events that some might view as intense, dark, or even “satanic” in nature?

Silvana- To make people actually feel something. To not just go to an event because it’s something they know and feel comfortable with but to actually expose them to something completely out of the ordinary, it’s the same feeling you get when you’re in a different country and there’s a cultural “shock” (for example some people in South America eat guinea pigs and spiders, most Americans would find that disgusting or even heartless as people own guinea pigs as pets over here haha).

I like having people come see a band I booked for the show and completely be transported to this other thing happening unrelated to the band, such as a live ritual or people being burnt and poked with needles haha. It’s a great feeling when you create these immersive atmospheres that have a “little bit for everyone”.

Are there specific artists, performers, or genres that influenced your approach to designing and hosting these events?

Silvana - I’m a huge fan of psychedelic cinema, so I’d say most of my inspiration comes from that. Again, I think it’s good for the morale to be able to escape our own landscape into different worlds. Movies and art are practically designed to attain this feeling and when it’s good, you truly are transported.

“Anatomy of Death Museum” installation HÄXAN 2024

Silvana- I love the works of Jodorowsky and Tarkovsky… my two biggest inspirations when it comes to creating the sense of being in another reality… then of course I’m a performer so I love conceptual performers such as Olivier de Sagazan and Marina Abramović. They both push the envelope and this is what I want to do as well. To me, an immersive event is like a painting and every single performer I hire is a crucial part of the entire story.

How do you handle any misunderstandings or criticisms from people who may misinterpret the event’s themes or symbols?

Silvana - There hasn’t been one event of mine that didn’t get criticism, unfortunately, people are firm believers of what they think is good or wrong, and not everyone is as open-minded or educated to understand beyond their doctrines. Last year one of my performances was a live painting inspired by Salo: 120 days of Sodom.

A LOT of people who saw the flyer took it at face value and claimed I was glorifying pedophilia. When the movie itself is a criticism of Fascism, the director of the film, Pier Paolo Pasolini, experienced being invaded by the Nazis and he wanted to expose the grotesque realities behind people in power that no one wants to talk about… Now, everyone knows about Jeffrey Epstein and P Diddy.. but it took years for people to even discover what they did, and we still think this doesn’t happen everyday?

Silvana - Pasolini was brutally murdered after he released the film… you must keep quiet, you must not show the true face of the world or you’d be punished for it… Keep the people tamed with lies. That’s how I grew up in Venezuela as well, so that was the feeling I wanted the audience to understand. I feel like, for those who attended, everyone got the real message and I felt accomplished afterward…. For those who didn’t even come to the event but criticized it based on their own “ignorant” assumptions, I did not care to make any clarification of what my aim and intentions were… as an Artist, I also think it’s okay to be ambiguous and let people interpret your work the way they want to… those who don’t get it were never meant to be there anyway.

Sicks, an attendee at one of these events says:

“A moment that really stood out to me was during the body suspension. Everyone gathered around either in awe or admiration or a mix of the two.

You could feel her nervousness, and as she prepared herself to be suspended, you could see the mental strength it took. You could feel the anticipation in the room heavily, and when she started to fly for all to watch, you could feel her freeness.”

Slav.goth had this to say

“You don't see hook suspension at many events. When I saw that happening I went right over to watch. Silvana puts in the effort to make her events memorable. It’s rare to find any good-quality gothic events these days. She knows the right people for music and the right people for entertaining the guests.

My first Doomvana event was probably a year or 2 ago. I went to Gothprom because my friend was playing in a band at the event. It was at an old church, the atmosphere and the energy was definitely a go-to place for a gothic party. It was almost like I was in an old movie that first night.”

“Doomvana creates a space where people can be who they want to be, free from judgment.

I believe that when you suppress who you are, you deny yourself the freedom to fully experience life, but these events allow for self-expression to flourish.

What may look strange and foreign to some people is often the result of cultural, social, or personal differences that are not immediately understood. What one person may see as unusual or unsettling could be an integral part of someone else’s identity or experience. Embracing these differences allows us to learn, grow, and realize that what is unfamiliar is not necessarily wrong, but rather an opportunity for deeper connection and insight.”

Dirty Shirley- “I would describe my performance as a sacrificial love letter. I wanted it to be as messy and sticky as possible, no holding back. One of my favorite things to be is drenched, so I knew I wanted to bathe in blood. Then Silvana came to me with this idea of a High Priestess, and that's what inspired my costume. The headpiece and robe I wore was a direct nod to the tarot High Priestess, and because it was also Dia De Los Muertos, we wanted to bring a scene of sacrifice with Santa Muerte.”

If there’s one thing you wish the audience understood about your performance, what would it be?

“I wish they understood that a lot of this was improv. I stepped out of my comfort zone and just let myself feel the performance. I do this because I love it. No other reason genuinely but pure passion. It's hot to be able to be myself and be in tune with my body, sexuality, and desires. It's hot to show the audience that and give them a show. It's hot to have bodily autonomy, especially in the state of our country right now.

More than anything I want my audience to understand that they should liberate their bodies, engage in pleasure, be unapologetic, and do whatever the fuck you want.

It will pay off”

Dirty Shirley- “I'm lucky to not have had that much backlash as a newer performer, but I'm sure everyone involved in these events has had their fair share. What they need to understand is that this is just a bunch of artists expressing themselves. I have met the most kind and cool people in this community.

People who criticize are allowed to have their opinions but they can just take it far as fuck away from us because nobody is getting hurt

.....well, unless they want to ;)”

“The energy is incredible” says Dirty Shirley. “There’s so much immersion and collaboration at a Doomvana event, you really enter a different world. I really admire the way things are run because she (Silvana Sanchez) does this with no sponsors, she works incredibly hard to bring her visions to life and create a space for performers that is unique and gives them creative freedom. I feel a lot more chill and able to enjoy her parties.

Sometimes you may feel you can't even watch the rest of the show, and there's nothing wrong with that! It's just a different vibe that I personally feel relaxed in.”

Performance by Aporrheta Porcelain Dusk 2024

How do you hope people feel after attending one of your events?

Is there a specific impact or message you hope they take away?

Silvana- knowledge is power! Go out, learn new things, expose yourself to as many nurturing experiences as you can, always ask questions, don’t blindly follow the masses, and ask where they’re headed and WHY?. The world is full of mystery and wonder. Explore it. Also, take care of yourself… drugs and alcohol abuse is detrimental to the overall wonderful experience of being alive. But to each their own.

Looking ahead, what do you hope to achieve with your events in the future, and how do you see this scene evolving?

Silvana- I want to eventually tour and bring these experiences to different cities. I genuinely see this as an immersive art experience with many walks of life encompassing it. I think people here in Detroit already know what to expect, but there’s all these new grounds to cover where I feel people who never got a place to call “home” and who often feel alone in their thoughts would probably understand that we’re all part of everything, and there isn’t a designated group of people you need to belong to. That’s why what I do is purposely a melting pot of very different lifestyles and artistry.

Lastly are there any links or sites you’d like to share?

I don’t have a website yet, but you can find me on social media as @doomvana

Any closing thoughts? Quotes or comments?

“It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye” - The Little Prince.

(Written by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, a WW2 aviator who came to the United States to live in exile at the beginning of the war, published this book and went back to war and died there)

NYC Village Halloween parade 2024

Crowds pack the streets surrounded by amazing costumes and towering puppets

Crowds pack the streets surrounded by amazing costumes and towering puppets.

This years theme was MEOW!

“Imagination is the only weapon in the war against reality.” So says the Cheshire Cat in Alice in Wonderland

Puppets made by Processional Arts Workshop

Traversing the crowd to even get a glimpse of the parade was a challenge

Navigating a large crowd on Halloween in NYC feels like weaving through a living maze. Costumed figures are everywhere, and each step takes you deeper into the city’s chaotic, thrilling celebration.

A collection of costumes

As the night wore on, it was clear that the energy was fading. People’s smiles were weary and the excitement of the evening gave way to a collective sense of tiredness as everyone seemed ready to head home.

Bridger Swinimer 10/22/24 Bridger Swinimer 10/22/24

I’m just a bystander

I remain invisible, blending into the background. I watch the world move around me, I capture fragments of lives that I may never truly know.

Thousands pass by one another, each lost in their thought, and inside their own bubble. Yet, momentarily, the noise of the streets fades and a small glimpse into their lives is frozen in time.

The anonymity of being in a crowded place is comforting for me, it gives me the opportunity to blend in and focus on capturing fleeting moments in a sea of people.

Every individual seeks to stand out and be seen, reflecting the universal human desire for connection and recognition in a world full of Chaos. where countless voices compete for attention in the circus of everyday life, these moments of visibility offer a momentary sense of validation, each person carries their own story, longing to be acknowledged and understood.

As an observer, I find myself on the edge of these moments, not fully part of the crowd but not entirely separate either. I’m drawn to capture these scenes because in photographing them I’m trying to make sense of the chaos, perhaps to find meaning in the brief interactions. Through my lens, I’m both a witness and a participant compelled to freeze these fragments of time that might otherwise go unnoticed, as if by capturing them I can understand my own place in this swirling world.