Inspired by The Beatles’ song Back in the USSR, this artwork captures the energy and nostalgia of returning to a place that feels both familiar and distant, echoing the lyrics, “Well, the Ukraine girls really knock me out, they leave the West behind...” Through a fusion of iconic elements from Moscow and the modern Miami skyline, I explore the journey across worlds, reflecting on the personal and cultural memories associated with the Soviet Union—once a different world, now viewed through the lens of time.

The car speeding through the scene mirrors the lyrics, “Flew in from Miami Beach BOAC, didn’t get to bed last night,” symbolizing the fast-paced return to a place that bridges past and present. This motion suggests a rapid return that blurs temporal boundaries, journeying through a backdrop of St. Basil’s Cathedral and ghostly crowds, symbolizing a Soviet past that feels vivid yet fading.

The red Soviet star, glowing softly against the darkened sky, represents the lingering resonance of the USSR, a powerful symbol that endures despite the union's dissolution. The addition of the Miami building captures the song’s playful blend of humor and homage, reimagining a place that no longer exists in its former state yet continues to hold cultural and emotional weight. This mix of iconic skylines invites viewers into a surreal landscape, where history and present-day Miami converge, creating a borderless world filled with memories.

With softened light beams illuminating the scene, this piece conveys a dreamlike quality where memories intertwine with the present, much like Back in the USSR nostalgically reflects on a place left behind. It invites viewers to contemplate the layered experiences of history, travel, and the allure of a world that once was, echoing the song’s playful yet wistful lyrics.