Hero Armor: A Ukrainian Memorial Art Installation for Burning Man
Support Hero Armor, a Ukrainian memorial art installation honoring defenders and the legacy of 3D artist Zakhar Zakharov. Your gift helps bring this artwork to Burning Man.
About Hero Armor
Hero Armor is based on the creative concept and 3D model developed by Zakhar Zakharov. In 2026, Rescue Now plans to present it at Burning Man as a space for remembrance, empathy, and international awareness.
Funds raised will support creation, fabrication, materials, transport, installation, exhibition, and documentation, as well as the project’s future cultural, educational, memorial, charitable, and humanitarian use in the U.S., Ukraine, and beyond.
Each gift helps carry this memory forward with respect.
Organized by Rescue Now, a U.S.-registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Donations may be
tax-deductible as allowed by law.
The story behind Hero Armor
Hero Armor began with a serendipitous moment in the Temple at Burning Man, something impossible to script.
In 2025, one of our team members brought a photograph of her cousin, Ukrainian artist and soldier Zakhar Zakharov, to the Temple to honor his memory. He served his nation and died as a hero, and this was a way to commemorate not only that, but also his artistic side. The photograph also featured one of his digital artworks — a futuristic armored figure created before the war.
A few days later, Zakhar’s childhood friend unexpectedly recognized the photograph and began searching for the person who had left it there. He had no idea that Zakhar had been killed while defending Ukraine. This remarkable coincidence became a powerful reminder of how memory and human connection can transcend time and distance.
This is how the idea for Hero Armor was born — to bring Zakhar’s digital work into physical space. The piece is dedicated to his memory and to
all Ukrainian defenders who never returned home.
Why Burning Man?
Burning Man brings together an international community of artists, builders, creators, and cultural leaders. By bringing Hero Armor there, we create a global moment of remembrance and awareness for Ukraine — not only an artwork, but a public space for empathy, dialogue, and support.
Why donate now?
The project is already moving from concept to production. Your support now helps us secure materials, fabrication, transportation, and installation planning in time for Burning Man 2026.
What your donation supports
Your donation helps bring Hero Armor to life by supporting the creation and fabrication of the installation, materials and technical equipment, transportation to Burning Man, installation and dismantling, exhibition, documentation, and public promotion of the project.
After Burning Man, the artwork will continue its journey through exhibitions, cultural programs, educational initiatives, memorial events, and humanitarian projects in the United States, Ukraine, and other countries.
Every donation helps do more than create an artwork. It helps preserve the memory of Ukrainian defenders and carry their stories forward.
From concept to creation
Hero Armor is already moving from vision to production. These visuals show how Zakhar’s digital concept is being transformed into a physical memorial artwork through design, engineering, and fabrication.
Design & blueprint
The team is translating Zakhar’s original 3D concept into architectural drawings, defining the figure, base, scale, and spatial experience of the installation.
Technical development
Engineers and fabricators are refining the frame, proportions, lighting, sound, and structural details so the artwork can be safely built, installed, and transported.
Final vision
Hero Armor will become an illuminated memorial space where people can gather, remember Ukrainian defenders, and reflect on courage, freedom, and resilience.
Help carry this memory forward
Rescue Now is a U.S.-registered charitable organization with 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status and serves as the organizer and administrator of this fundraising campaign.
All donations received through this campaign are directed to Rescue Now and used to support the cultural, memorial, and humanitarian Hero Armor Project in accordance with the charitable purpose of the fundraiser, applicable U.S. laws, and the Foundation’s policies.
They chose courage. We keep their memory alive.