“This is not a decoration—it is a signal. This is a conversation that needs to be started before it’s too late.” — Oleksiy Sai, installation artist behind Black Cloud
On June 7th, in Kyiv’s historic Sophia Square, a large, ominous black cloud was unveiled, evoking imagery that many Ukrainians were already familiar with witnessing. People passing by remarked on how the cloud reminded them of an explosion and destruction. This art piece, created by contemporary artist, Oleksiy Sai, alongside a team of other artists, producers, and musicians, was meant to feel reminiscent of the horrors of warfare.
Black Cloud, also known as Get Ready, blends multiple artistic mediums as it emits flashes of light and features music created by Ukrainian Drum and Bass artist Involver. Additionally, alongside music, the cloud features real sounds of Ukrainian warfare such as artillery fire, explosions, drone strikes, and more. According to one of the installation’s producers, Vitaliy Deynega, this piece is not simply a symbol of the destruction occurring in Ukraine, but is also meant to highlight the inevitability of destruction elsewhere in the world. He remarks on how the feeling of hope blinds humanity to imminent danger. The cloud is meant to symbolize the “elephant in the room”, the threat that is already hanging over our heads. Its message is already clear to those who are already familiar with the horrors of warfare, but is important to share for those who mistakenly believe that what is happening in Ukraine couldn’t happen in their home country.
This art installation, originally unveiled in Kyiv, will travel across the world to the United States and will be featured at Burning Man, a festival taking place in late August of 2025, and known for highlighting incredible visual art and pioneering feats of self-expression.
As Black Cloud travels to the United States, Nova Ukraine is proud to support this project and its upcoming exhibition at Burning Man 2025. Our organization hopes that the art piece will encourage moments of reflection among Western audiences on what is presently occurring in Ukraine. There is still time to help those who need it most, and we kindly ask that you consider donating to our organization to aid us in continuing our important work. We thank our supporters for informing themselves and taking action on behalf of Ukraine. Our organization wouldn’t be possible without everything you do.
Nova Ukraine’s Role
As part of our ongoing effort to bring Ukraine’s stories to the world, Nova Ukraine proudly supported the international logistics of Black Cloud, helping bring this powerful installation from Kyiv to the United States. We believe that cultural expression—especially during wartime—is a vital part of resistance and connection. Art, like aid, crosses borders.
This support continues a longstanding tradition. Nova Ukraine has previously helped Ukrainian artists bring major installations to Burning Man, including Sorry by Oleksiy Sai in 2018 and Catharsis in 2019—both of which amplified Ukraine’s creative voice at one of the world’s most influential artistic gatherings. Through art, we highlight not just resilience, but the enduring spirit of Ukrainian identity.
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