THE MIG-21 PROJECT
The MiG-21 Project is a 5-year, multidisciplinary project that transforms a 51-foot by 24-foot decommissioned Cold War era, Soviet-designed MiG-21 fighter jet into a stunning work of art, entirely covered in tens of millions of colorful glass beads. The re-imagined jet turns an icon of violence into a symbol of resilience and collaboration.
THE AIRCRAFT
The MiG-21 Project is a large-scale freestanding sculpture built from a retired, demilitarized, and salvaged Polish military fighter aircraft. The 51-foot by 24-foot surface is covered entirely with beaded panels in colors and patterns that convey peace, cultural pride, and a joyous celebration of life.
THE AIRCRAFT
The MIG-21 Project is a large-scale freestanding sculpture built from a retired, demilitarized, and salvaged Polish military fighter aircraft. The 51-foot by 24-foot surface is covered entirely with beaded panels in colors and patterns that convey peace, cultural pride, and a joyous celebration of life.
PHOTOGRAPHY
The photography element of The MiG-21 Project features expansive views of the fighter jet separated from a specific time and place, and paired with compelling figures outfitted in Afrofuturistic flight suits designed and crafted to complement the elaborate beadwork of the aircraft.
THE REGALIA
Ralph Ziman and a team of fabricators created multi-textural regalia inspired initially by the beaded panels of the aircraft, quickly becoming key components of the narrative. These extraordinary works of art pull influence from military flight suits, African tribal textiles, and space travel, referencing the expansive worlds of Afrofuturism - a social, political, and artistic movement rooted in social justice and equity.Β
THE REGALIA
Ralph Ziman and a team of fabricators created multi-textural regalia inspired initially by the beaded panels of the aircraft, quickly becoming key components of the narrative. These extraordinary works of art pull influence from military flight suits, African tribal textiles, and space travel, referencing the expansive worlds of Afrofuturism - a social, political, and artistic movement rooted in social justice and equity.Β
BEADED PANELS
THE MUSEUM OF FLIGHT
The MiG-21 Project is set to premiere June 21, 2025, at The Museum of Flight in Seattle, WA, along with The MiG-21 Project Documentary,Β followed by a panel discussion and Q&A.Β
FABRICATION
VIDEOS
ENGINEERING
ARTISANS & COLLABORATORS
Ralph Ziman | Artist
South African Team
Thenjiwe Pretty Chinedo | Artisan
Bowasi Manzvenga | Artisan
Kennedy Mwashusha | Artisan
Lenon Tinarwo | Artisan
Panghanai Phiri | Artisan
Telmore Masangudza | Artisan
Livingstone Dombodzvuku | Artisan
Anointed Hands Collective | Artisan Collective
Nic Hofmeyr | Photography
Los Angeles, CA / USA Team
Cindy Schwarzstein | Executive Director
Michelle Homami Couto | Director of Operations & Exhibitions
Nicholas Bonamy | Project Manager
Paul Duran-Lemos | Documentarian, Cinematographer & Editor
Francesca Quintano | Assistant Art Director
Rebecca Klika | Costume Designer / Digital Design
Jesse Gee| Costume Designer
Max Ziman | Production & Logistics, Artist Assistant, Videographer
Suzanne Walsh | Web & Graphic Design
Angela Townsend | Social Media
Sam Richardson | Artist & Fabrication Assistant
Fantine Capron | Artist Assistant
Alexandre Couto | Artist Assistant
Hannah βHannzβ Mulligan | Artist Assistant
Andy Chavez | Artist Assistant
Kris Zaycher | Artist Assistant
Kenyan Armitage | Artist Assistant
Nicholas Alvarez | Artist Assistant
Erin Koskella | Artist Assistant
Dorian Gonzalez | Artist Assistant
Demi Kay | Artist Assistant
Kelly Gorman | Artist Assistant
Eric Haskell | Artist Assistant
Dave McCalley | Engineer
Chris West | Engineer
Merri Cheers | Fabricator
Josh Blanthorne | Fabricator
JD Smith | Mechanic
Ava Scaturro | Art Intern
George Jones | Art Intern
Maebellene Burge | Art Intern
Bela Copano | Art Intern
Marco Gruelle | DTGruelle & DTCare
James Thornton | DTGruelle & DTCare
Judith Thompson | DTGruelle & DTCare
Courtney Robson | DTGruelle & DTCare
Wesley Lucko | DTGruelle & DTCare
Clara Mailloux | DTGruelle & DTCare
Vinka Bencic | Care Studios
Carl Grant | Logistics
Lele Barnett | Programming Coordinator
Dominic Nieri | ARTXIV, Special Project Coordinator
Emma Carlson | Photography Producer
Alex Marshall Brown | Model
Girvan Swirv Bramble | Model
Jonathan Bangs | Model
Kelli Dawn Hancock | Model
Bruce Lemon | Model
Merc Arceneaux | Makeup Artist
Donna Cicatelli | Makeup Assistant
Paula Ashby | Hair Stylist
Daniela Babcock | Costumes Assistant
Nick Bombardo | Gaffer
David Damiata Stacry | Key Grip
Craig Lerner | Swing
Tendeka Matatu | Special Thanks
Vera Campbell | Special Thanks
Maria Greenshields-Ziman | Special Thanks