The Story Behind Hero Armor

Hero Armor began with a story about memory. Liza Kormilets, who created the installation, told it in a post on our Instagram on 11 June 2026. We are retelling it here in the journal, because this is where the project started.

Zakhar

At the center of the story is Liza's cousin, Zakhar Zakharov. He was a talented 3D artist. In the first days of the full-scale invasion he volunteered to defend Ukraine.

Before the war he had been working on a futuristic warrior character, inspired by the artwork of Thomas Wievegg. That character later became the foundation of Hero Armor.

Zakhar was officially exempt from military service because of his health. He chose to defend his country anyway. He left civilian life and did not return.

A photograph at the Temple

Several years later, Liza brought Zakhar's photograph to the Temple at Burning Man. People go there to honor those they carry in their hearts.

Then something happened that many Burners call Playa Magic. Among thousands of photographs and memories, Zakhar's childhood friend came across his photo. He had no idea what had happened to Zakhar.

He tried to find the person who had left the photograph, and eventually he found Liza. In their conversation he learned for the first time what had happened to his friend.

Why tell it

That meeting taught Liza something simple:

Stories only live as long as someone continues to tell them.

She wrote that every day we lose more than people. We risk losing their dreams, their voices, their unfinished work and the impact they left behind. Hero Armor became a way to make sure that one of those stories would not disappear.

From a screen to the playa

The character Zakhar once helped create was a digital concept. We are bringing it into the physical world as a public memorial sculpture for Burning Man.

The work is inspired by his story. It is also dedicated to all Ukrainian heroes and defenders who chose courage over fear and stood up to protect their country and their people.

Hero Armor is a symbol of remembrance, resilience and the enduring strength of the human spirit.

They chose courage.

We carry the memory.