I'm Fine - A manifesto of Ukrainian resilience
The I'm Fine Project is this year's art installation showcased at Burning Man, a worldwide cultural event where art serves as a powerful statement. Created by Ukrainian artist Oleksiy Say and Vitaliy Deynega, founder of the Ukrainian Witness media initiative, it involved a team of 25 contributors. “I'm Fine” visually represents Ukrainian suffering, resilience, and the ongoing journey of life. The installation features a large, vibrant sculpture made of letters adorned with items that have been damaged by Russian missiles, shells, and bullets. However, most people around the world weren't able to experience it in person. Therefore, our challenge was to find a way to translate the I'm Fine installation into a digital format, allowing viewers to share the same emotional response as those who visited it at the festival. Our solution was to integrate 3D motion design, sound, atmosphere, and technology to enhance the essential feeling of presence. War-damaged objects, such as road signs, settlement markers, pieces of fences, and shattered satellite dishes, serve as fragments of a broken reality that resonate with the installation’s message. The parallax effect functions not just as a visual trick but as a form of expression, allowing for a change in perspective with every movement. This depth isn't merely a technical feature; it represents an unbounded pain. A key component of the experience is the music composed by DJ Anatoly Tapolsky, which captures the essence of war through electronic beats, human voices, and the sound of shattered glass, all underscoring the familiar words “I’m fine.” Overall, the I'm Fine Project extends beyond Burning Man; it has become a part of every device, screen, and corner of the world.