At this year’s Burning Man festival, a striking new sculpture titled "I’m Fine" stands as a powerful testament to the perseverance and resilience of the Ukrainian people amidst ongoing war. Crafted from war-damaged materials collected from across Ukraine, this installation serves as a poignant reminder of the dual realities faced by Ukrainians: the facade of normalcy in a nation ravaged by conflict.

A Symbol of Resilience and Cultural Heritage

The "I’m Fine" sculpture is the creation of Ukrainian artist Oleksiy Sai, in collaboration with DJ Anatoly Tapolsky and former Deputy Defense Minister Vitaliy Deynega. This massive work, measuring 32 meters in length and 7 meters in height, is composed of street signs, fences, and gates, all punctured by bullets and damaged by shrapnel. Each piece of debris tells a story, collectively spelling out the words “I’m Fine.” The materials used in the sculpture were salvaged from war-torn regions of Ukraine, symbolizing the physical destruction caused by the Russian invasion that began in 2022.

The installation’s title draws inspiration from the "This is Fine" meme, which features a dog sitting calmly in a burning room, humorously capturing the sense of maintaining composure in the face of disaster. For Ukrainians, this irony resonates deeply as they continue to navigate their daily lives amid the chaos of war. The artwork reflects not only the widespread devastation of Ukraine’s cultural heritage — over 2,024 cultural institutions have been impacted by the war, with 334 completely destroyed — but also the unyielding spirit of the Ukrainian people.

Interactive and Emotional Engagement

Sai’s sculpture invites festival-goers at Burning Man to engage with the harsh realities of war in a tangible way. As Sai explained, “The sculpture is real, and so is the war. I want audiences to feel closer to the people of Ukraine that have been impacted and to understand that we are fighting for our culture, our identity.” By standing next to the installation, touching the damaged materials, and observing the bullet holes and shrapnel scars, visitors can viscerally experience the scale and impact of the conflict.

Many who have encountered the sculpture have been moved to tears, reflecting on the harsh circumstances that have become a new normal for those in Ukraine. As Deynega noted, “Our absolutely inadequate life situation has become normal for us; we have learned to be strong and celebrate life even under these circumstances. We react less and less to rockets and death, sorrow and the tremendous effort required just to avoid losing our minds from the fears of war.”

Music as a Medium of Resistance

Adding another layer of emotional depth to the installation, DJ Anatoly Tapolsky, who has fought on the front lines, performed a set on August 28th in front of the "I’m Fine" sculpture. Tapolsky’s performance incorporated recordings of Ukrainian voices responding to the question, “How are you?” Through his music, he sought to convey the unbreakable spirit of the Ukrainian people, who, when asked about their reality, often respond with a stoic “I’m Fine.”

“Through every track, I strive to showcase the courage and determination shown by our people, to ensure that our cultural identity remains vibrant and strong,” Tapolsky said. His set, blending the sounds of war with electronic beats, was designed to animate the lived experience of war and highlight the ongoing fight for Ukraine’s cultural survival.

A Global Stage for Ukrainian Voices

Burning Man, an annual festival known for its celebration of creativity and counterculture, attracts around 80,000 people from around the world. This year, under the theme “Curiouser and Curiouser,” the festival has featured a range of thought-provoking art installations, including a 26-foot-tall steel mushroom and a 50-foot-tall orange traffic cone that releases fireworks. However, the "I’m Fine" sculpture stands out not only for its sheer size and weight — 19 tons — but for the profound message it carries.

By showcasing "I’m Fine" at Burning Man, Sai, Tapolsky, and Deynega have created a platform for global audiences to connect with Ukraine’s struggles through a shared passion for art and culture. The installation fosters dialogue across cultural and geographical boundaries, offering a glimpse into the realities of life in Ukraine and the resilience of its people. As festival-goers interact with the sculpture and reflect on its meaning, they are reminded of the ongoing war and the need for solidarity with those who continue to endure its effects.

Through this powerful combination of visual art and music, the "I’m Fine" installation at Burning Man not only honors the strength of the Ukrainian people but also serves as a call to action for the international community to remember and support Ukraine’s fight for freedom, culture, and identity.