Tovarish & Souyz

Bomber jacket
Cotton, hand embroidery
Edition: 10.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
This bomber jacket continues the collaboration with Mundfish Studio and the game Atomic Heart, set in a utopian USSR. The piece depicts two characters — Tovarish and Soyuz (Comrade and Union) — referencing iconic symbols of the era: the famous Hare and Wolf from the animated series Nu, Pogodi!, Tetris, Sputnik-1, and radio. These retrofuturistic figures, previously released as sculptures and posters, became part of the story expansion DLC#3 in Atomic Heart.

The creation process involves hand and machine embroidery that simulates 3D objects, modeling, pattern making, and sewing, taking over 48 hours per piece. Made from premium cotton, with threads spanning 230 carefully selected shades, the bomber jacket stands as an artistic statement at the intersection of contemporary art and streetwear.

LEGEND:
The Comrade's boots are designed to resemble cars with the inscription 'First,' symbolizing the USSR's involvement in technological fields. His pants are made from melchior tea glass holders featuring images of the Twin robots, while his large head and rounded body evoke a roly-poly toy. The left hand, crafted from crystal and held in a repelling gesture, is reminiscent of the famous Soviet 'No!' poster, symbolizing both a crystal vodka glass and the rejection of alcohol.

The Comrade’s ears feature a screen displaying the game Tetris, which was invented in the Soviet Union and became popular in the world of Atomic Heart much earlier, given the leap in technological progress. Reminiscent of a Comrade dog, Union is a robotic animal designed in the style of the heroes from Atomic Heart. Its head mirrors the shape of Sputnik-1, the first artificial satellite successfully placed in orbit around the Earth.

"'Comrade & Union' are complex, multifaceted archetypes through which I have interpreted the atmosphere of Atomic Heart and the imaginary Soviet Union era. According to the legend of the Yoomoota Universe, these new characters reside on the planet U2beBetter. After their journeys and trials, they ultimately arrive at their core mission—to remind us of the pursuit of science and space exploration," says artist Taras Yoom.

In 2025, the Tovarish & Souyz poster was added in a DLC for Atomic Heart — a dynamic shooter with RPG elements — enhancing its style, rooted in an alternate vision of the Soviet era.

PLANET: U2BeBetter