South African artist Ralph Ziman has once again redefined the boundaries of art and activism with his latest masterpiece, The MiG-21 Project. This work is the final installment in his Weapons of Mass Production trilogy, a powerful artistic journey that challenges the legacy of violence by transforming tools of war into striking symbols of beauty and reconciliation.
At the heart of this project is a retired Soviet-era MiG-21 fighter jet, once one of the most widely produced and feared aircraft of the Cold War. Instead of leaving it as a relic of destruction, Ziman and a team of nearly 100 Johannesburg artisans spent five years covering the 51-foot jet in tens of millions of shimmering glass beads. The result is a breathtaking blend of history and artistry, where the cold steel of a war machine is softened by the vibrant patterns of pan-African beadwork.
The MiG-21 carries heavy historical weight—it was flown in conflicts from the Middle East to Africa and played a role in the Angolan Civil War that shaped apartheid-era South Africa. By cloaking it in intricate bead patterns inspired by traditions across the continent, Ziman reframes the jet’s identity. What was once an emblem of division and destruction is now a canvas for unity, creativity, and cultural resilience.
This transformation is not only symbolic but also deeply personal. Ziman grew up under apartheid, witnessing firsthand the militarization of everyday life. His trilogy began with a beaded AK-47 and later a decorated Casspir armored vehicle, both speaking to the impact of militarization in African societies. With the MiG-21, he brings the narrative full circle—reminding audiences that even the most intimidating weapons can be stripped of their power and reimagined as icons of peace.
The project is currently on display at the Museum of Flight in Seattle, running from June 21, 2025, to January 26, 2026. Beyond the exhibition, part of the proceeds from the work’s sale will support art therapy programs for Ukrainian children affected by war, extending the artwork’s healing message across borders.
Through The MiG-21 Project, Ralph Ziman proves that art is not only a reflection of the world but also a force to reshape it. By covering a warplane in beads, he invites us to look again at the symbols of conflict and discover new meanings—ones that celebrate resilience, culture, and peace over destruction.