Birch Breath

2025

Recycled Plastic/Augmented Reality

The central object is a structure printed from recycled plastic, using bottles collected in urban environments. The extensive manual processing required by this technology makes the object more lifelike and reminiscent of a tree. This object is shaped in a form that evokes the image of an Orthodox church dome and a spaceship, both pointing toward the future. The church dome, like a space rocket, reaches upward, toward the sky. Such an architectural and aerodynamic form emphasizes humanity’s innate aspiration for higher knowledge, spiritual perfection, and scientific discovery. In the context of Russian cosmism as envisioned by Nikolai Fedorov, this aspiration embodies the idea of harmonious transformation of the world, where spiritual development and scientific-technological achievements go hand in hand. The chosen form serves as both a visual and philosophical reference to humanity’s drive toward a future where spiritual and scientific pursuits unite for the common good and a new stage of development. This concept highlights how physical forms can reflect and amplify profound philosophical ideas about humanity’s purpose and destiny.At the center of the object is an AR projection, which viewers can access by scanning a QR code with their smartphones. This emphasizes the embodiment of the tender and fragile soul of our homeland, requiring constant care and attention, represented through the image of a birch tree. The birch, as a symbol of the Russian forest, and the forward-looking object made from recycled plastic are symbolically united in the concept of the homeland as a shared home and a place for sustainable development and environmentally conscious living. This also reminds us of the deep connection to the nature of our homeland. Clean air and the health of forests directly impact the well-being of all Russians. Russia, as our shared home, demands careful stewardship, where everyone recognizes their role in preserving the environment. Clean air (the foundation of life), CO2 data (an indicator of nature’s health), and a sustainable home (the place of our existence) are elements that shape the future of Russia and our contribution to global ecological stability.This underscores that we are all responsible for our shared future, caring for nature, maintaining clean air, and managing resources in a way that ensures our home—Russia—remains prosperous and thriving for all its inhabitants and future generations.