VIDEO

Panel discussion following The MiG-21 Project Documentary screening at The Museum of Flight

Discusses the artist and filmmakers’ personal experiences with the MiG while growing up in South Africa, the historical material discovered while weaving the story of The MiG-21 Project together, the project’s technical details, and delve into the artistic, conceptual and sociopolitical interrogations that come with reclaiming salvaged objects of war into works of art. How do we, as individuals, reckon with our own individual histories and experiences through art? Moderated by Cody Othoudt, Lead Exhibit Developer at The Museum of Flight

The MiG-21 Project Documentary (full-length)

The 25-minute long documentary details the entirety of the artistic process from Ralph Ziman’s inspiration for the project and acquisition of the MiG-21, to the international collaboration to create the beadwork and assemble the art piece, leading up to the project’s unveiling at The Museum of Flight. Also covered in the film is background on the MiG-21, including details about the plane used (decommissioned tail number 8971) and how MiG’s presence in the Angolan Civil War ultimately hastened the end of white rule in South Africa. 

The MiG-21 Project Trailer

Five years in the making – The MiG-21 Project is a jaw-dropping, multidisciplinary transformation like no other. Imagine a massive 51-foot by 24-foot Cold War-era Soviet MiG-21 fighter jet, once a symbol of conflict, now reborn as a breathtaking beacon of beauty and unity.