The MiG-21 Project: Glass Beads Turn War Into Peace ♿

Experience glass art that can only be seen at the world premiere exhibition of The MiG-21 Project, South African artist Ralph Ziman’s 5-year, multidisciplinary project transforming a 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 MiG-21 Project is the culmination of Ziman’s Weapons of Mass Production Trilogy, a 12-year project inspired by the artist’s experiences growing up in Apartheid South Africa and realized by teams on two continents—Ziman and his team in Los Angeles in collaboration with Southern African beadwork artisans.

“The aim of The MiG-21 Project,” said Ziman, “is to take the most mass-produced supersonic fighter aircraft and to turn it from a machine of war into something that looks beautiful and changes the meaning of it.”

In addition to the beaded jet, the exhibit includes original artwork, Afrofuturistic flight suits designed and crafted by the artist and his team, glass beaded panel artworks, large scale photographs, videos, and interactives. Art has the power to heal. Come see how art with tiny glass beads will change your life.

Tickets range from $21-$29.