"Mir or" Art Project at Burning Man 2024

About the Project:

"Mir or" is a poignant art installation that seeks to invoke deep reflection on the enduring impact of wars and political conflicts through a visually striking representation of sea mines and a partially submerged boat.

Crafted from 2.5 mm polished stainless steel using hydroforming techniques, the sea mines appear suspended in the air by chains, while the boat is encrusted with natural shell limestone.

This project not only highlights the beauty and design perfection of sea mines but also underscores their destructive purpose and the broader theme of enduring war legacies, such as unexploded ordnances that continue to pose threats long after conflicts have ended.

The problem of landmine-contaminated regions after military conflicts worsens over time.

Unexploded ordnance from the First and Second World Wars still pose dangers. In Vietnam, Afghanistan, Syria, and other regions, people continue to be injured or killed by mines left from past conflicts.

• In Israel, the Golan Heights have been heavily mined since 1973. Large areas remain mined, and Israel has not been able to fully address this issue. Although demining efforts are ongoing, 50 years later, warning signs about mines are still common, and accidents occur every year.

• The war in Ukraine has added a new mine-contaminated region to the world. An analytical report by Globsec states that demining Ukraine will be a "complex, costly, and nearly impossible" task that the country will ultimately face after the war ends. About 30% of Ukraine's territory (174,000 sq. km) has been subjected to intense combat operations. This area requires surveying and clearance due to the vast amounts of explosive ordnance left behind by the invaders. Consequently, Ukraine has become the largest mined territory in the world, surpassing former leaders like Afghanistan and Syria. Complete demining of Ukraine could take 757 years and cost billions of dollars.

• In 2023, there been at least 183 regional conflicts worldwide, the highest number in the past three decades, according to the annual report on armed conflicts by the British International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS).
• UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk stated in a briefing in Geneva that there are currently 55 armed conflicts in the world. He noted that this is the highest number since World War II.
• After World War I, some countries signed agreements banning the use of chemical weapons due to their inhumanity. Later came bans on cluster munitions and the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty, among others. However, as the Italian Defense Minister recently noted, military conflicts have become more prevalent, and countries are increasingly violating numerous conventions because they can.

Project Goals:

This installation is a contemplative piece that brings attention to the stark choices humanity faces between creation and destruction. As we look back on the legacies of ancient civilizations like the Roman Empire, which left behind grand artworks and monumental architecture, "Mir or" questions the kind of legacy modern humanity wishes to leave. The project reflects on how areas remain dangerously mined long after wars have ceased, with a specific emphasis on the current situation in Ukraine, which could take centuries to demine.

Who are we? 

We are Irina and Stanislav Shminke, a creative duo based in Reno, NV. This marks our fourth art project for Burning Man since 2018.

Our team has a proven track record of successful installations at Burning Man, including "DIPTOWN" in 2022 and "Desert Splash" in 2023. Both projects were realized thanks to the support from our crowdfunding campaigns, and we are excited to bring another impactful piece to the playa.

DIPTOWN at Burning Man 2022, Photo by Watchara Phomicinda, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG

Desert Splash at Burning Man 2023, photo by Kate Beale

We have already begun work on our upcoming installation and are in need of funding to acquire the necessary materials. Your generous contribution will not only help bring our artistic vision to life but also enable us to incorporate additional elements such as more sea mines and a grand boat.

If you resonate with our unconventional approach to art and recognize the importance of public art in fostering connection and inspiration, we kindly ask for your support and help in spreading the word!

At the heart of our artistic mission is the creation of immersive and interactive experiences, with Burning Man serving as a platform for participatory celebration.

All construction takes place in our workshops located in China and Reno, with the assistance of our dedicated build team who are eager to tackle the 2024 project.

We are excited about the prospect of bringing "Mir or?" to life on the playa, providing joy to countless visitors. Our goal post-event is to find a permanent home where our installation can continue to push boundaries, entertain, and captivate for years to come.

 Funding Goal:

We have already raised $10,000 towards the realization of "Mir or". We need an additional $4,900 to complete the manufacturing and assembly of the frame that will hold the mines in place. Your support will bring this thought-provoking installation to life at Burning Man 2024. 

• $2000 frame that will hold the mines.
• $1600 More sea mines, to increase the effect of interaction
• $1300 A large submerged boat

Join Us:

Support "Mir or" and help us deliver a powerful message about the legacy of war and the potential for peace and artistic expression. Your contribution will not only help realize this installation but also spread a message of reflection and hope.

Diptown camp, Burning Man 2022