The artwork, made from shot-up road signs and other materials damaged by Russian aggression, delivers a poignant message about the resilience and emotional toll experienced by Ukrainians during the ongoing conflict.
About the Installation
Materials: The installation is constructed from road signs and surfaces that were physically damaged in the war. This includes "Pedestrian Crossing" signs riddled with bullet holes and torn by shrapnel, as well as signs warning "Be careful, children." Among the items are pieces of a shopping center from Kherson and large road signs bearing the names of Ukrainian settlements like Posad-Pokrovsky, Chernihiv, Kharkiv, and Kherson.
Message: The phrase "I'm Fine" is spelled out using these war-torn materials, offering a stark contrast between the everyday meaning of the words and the harsh reality they represent. The installation reflects the way Ukrainians have adapted to life under siege, finding a new kind of normality in the midst of terror and destruction.
Impact on Festival Attendees
According to Sai, the installation has had a profound effect on those who encounter it. "People stand and watch. Sometimes for a very long time. The bravest touch the sharp edges. Many are crying," he said, describing the emotional reactions of the festival-goers.
The installation serves as a stark reminder of the resilience and endurance of the Ukrainian people. Despite the constant threat of missiles and the omnipresent grief of war, Ukrainians continue to fight, live, and even find moments of happiness. The phrase "I'm Fine," in this context, captures the haunting reality that this new normal is far from fine—yet it is the reality that they live every day.
Artist's Reflection
Sai's work highlights the paradox of life during war: how something as simple as saying "I'm fine" can carry the weight of unimaginable pain and suffering. The installation has succeeded in bringing this message to tens of thousands of people at Burning Man, making the world more aware of the personal and collective struggles faced by Ukrainians.
In the words of volunteer and activist Deinega, "We are really 'normal,' it's just that our normality is scarier than night terrors. But we live, fight, and even try to be happy sometimes. We are 'in order.'"
The installation at Burning Man serves as a powerful testament to the strength and resilience of the Ukrainian spirit, resonating deeply with those who experience it.
