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.
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.
BEADED PANELS
FABRICATION
VIDEOS
ENGINEERING
EXHIBITION & programming
The MiG-21 Project travels with a full-time Los Angeles-based production team that is fully equipped to customize immersive experiences, tailored to art fairs, exhibition spaces, museums, and the like.