21.11.2021 – 14.12.2021
Erring Office, Moscow
Curators Nastya Skvortsova, Kato Borodina
Topol M is a strategic missile system, the pinnacle of engineering and technical thought, a guarantee of the balance of power in international relations.
Once, in a selection of YouTube videos, the site’s algorithm suggested that I watch a test launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile that is part of this complex. In addition to the launch and takeoff of the rocket itself, I was impressed by more than 800 comments under this video. In them, users skillfully expressed joy and admiration for this event: they recalled proverbs, famous phrases from films, and even composed poetry. One will notice that various objects that bring people benefit, strength, protection and power have always been decorated as a sign of true love for them. This is true for both household items and weapons. Usually they were decorated with non-trivial patterns, symbols of culture and images of wild, in particular, predatory animals. To my surprise, there were no “decorations” or symbols on the rocket taking off. The project, titled “I’m taking off”, carries the idea of presenting a design for a three-stage nuclear rocket, in which each of the three stages of the rocket is complemented by an intimidating modern hero, and the head part is encrusted with Swarovski crystals. As a reference to the design bureaus, the rocket is depicted on the walls of the office in full size, for a closer and more detailed review.
By the opening of the exhibition, a circulation of catalogues in the amount of 350 pieces was issued, including a study of the problem of decorating weapons. During the exhibition, a video of the launch of the rocket was broadcast with the ability to view the comments left under it.
Also during the exhibition, together with the artist Pyotr Kroshinsky, the idea of dissection of the head of the rocket was developed. By the closing date of the exposition, 12/14/2021, the head part was supplemented with even more rhinestones and markings for cutting. On December 21, 2021, a performance took place, during which a part of the wall measuring 120x102x14cm and weighing more than 200 kg was separated and removed.
