Ritual Pillars

Since the beginning of 2026, nearly 435,000 hectares of forest have been destroyed by fire. Around 1,400 wildfires have been recorded, releasing nearly 18 million tonnes of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.

Last year (2025) was the worst year on record for forest loss caused by wildfires. By August 2026 that figure had already been surpassed, underscoring the scale and accelerating pace of climate change.

This project is a symbolic attempt to protect nature from climate-related disasters. At its core is a return to the archaic symbols of runes, fire, and the very concept of protection, which take on new meaning in the context of today’s environmental crisis.

In traditional beliefs, fire has a dual nature: it is capable of destruction, yet at the same time it is regarded as a purifying and protective force. For this reason, each object is coated with a soot-based pigment symbolizing controlled fire.

The symbols inscribed along the edges of the objects draw on Slavic runic traditions and embody ideas of protection, resilience, and balance.

Of course, rituals and incantations cannot stop climate change. But turning to ancient ideas about the interconnectedness of humans and the world around them can serve as a metaphor for another, more important process — rediscovering our sense of belonging to nature and our responsibility for preserving it.

As long as humanity sees itself as separate from the living world, the fire will continue to spread.