My work is a colorful reimagining of what I encountered, as well as a call for change.
It was a time when the police became highly militarized and violent, he explains.
My art tells of that history because I see aspects of it repeating itself around the world.
Força Aérea Rebelde (Rebel Air Force), Ralph Ziman, Inkjet on Moab Entrada Paper, 43 x 62.5 in
The MiG-21 Projectis the final part of a larger effort titledWeapons of Mass Production Trilogy.
The three parts are woven together by the mission to redefine and reframe physical symbols of violence through beadwork.
It was really looked down upon, Ziman recalls about the perception of this craft.
Força Aérea Nacional de Libertação (National Liberation Air Force), Ralph Ziman, Inkjet on Moab Entrada Paper, 43 x 56 in
People would say its made for touristsits rubbish.
For theWeapons of Mass Production Trilogy, the artist aims to elevate beadwork to a higher art form.
Were going to make things out of beads thats going to take peoples breath away, Ziman assures.
Hero Of Cuito Cuanavale, Ralph Ziman, Inkjet on Moab Entrada Paper, 43 x 56 in
To stay up to date with the artist, followRalph Ziman on Instagram.
South African artist Ralph Ziman transformed a decommissioned fighter jet into a breathtaking example of African beadwork.
Detail of afterburner // Mauricio Hoyos
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Detail of bedazzled cockpit attitude indicator // Paul Duran-Lemos
The Raider and Her MiG-21, Ralph Ziman, Inkjet on Moab Entrada Paper, 43 x 56 in
Detail of the cockpit and flight stick replaced with a lowrider style steering wheel // Paul Duran-Lemos
MiG prep for photo shoot // Mauricio Hoyos
The embellished cockpit showing old school lowrider style upholstered seat // Paul Duran-Lemos
Detail of MiG and canopy // Mauricio Hoyos
Lighting for photo shoot // Mauricio Hoyos
Detail of afterburner // Mauricio Hoyos
