1. Introduction

2. The Story

3. The Artworks

4. Conclusion

INTRODUCTION

Veturia, the Lonely Planet is a post-photographic project by Mirkolis.

In co-operation with AI, it’s an imaginative play on the effects of human aggressiveness in systemic terms. A small story as a metaphor for a direction we should not take.

The first sketch of the projects dates back to 2023 and was taken up and completed in October 2024.

The project consists of 23 artworks and will be distributed as free open edition, one piece at a time, on Rodeo, Base Chain.

Each minting will last 24 hours.

The first piece will be minted on October 28, 2024.

THE STORY

In a parallel world called Htrae, a glitch in the simulation of Earth during the Cold War caused global chaos. This error triggered an apocalyptic war, where every nation bombed the others, leading to the self-implosion of human civilization. In the aftermath, over 95% of the male population was wiped out. The survivors, mostly women, found themselves in isolated areas across this broken simulation, trying to rebuild what was left. In their efforts, they moved away from the aggressive, war-driven dynamics that once dominated human systems and began to create a society centered on care, compassion, and healing.

One such group of women has settled in Veturia, a remote village nestled in a desolate, quiet landscape. Here, time seems to flow differently, as if the glitch has also slowed the passing of days. The air carries a serene, almost naive atmosphere, despite the profound trauma these women have endured. The village is filled with women who have chosen a life of simple appreciation for peace, working together to cultivate their surroundings and support one another. Violence and conflict are things of the past—what matters now is survival through empathy.

In Veturia, the names of the women are symbolic of this strange, parallel world—they have names in reverse, a subtle reminder of the fragmented reality they inhabit. Among them is Elocin (Nicole reversed), a Shell, whose wide, hollow eyes, hidden behind aviator goggles, reflect the shell shock PTSD she still carries from the horrors she witnessed. Always with aviators glasses, Elocin, like others in her group, is hypersensitive to light, but her quiet and graceful presence exudes a gentleness that belies the scars of her past. The Shells, though marked by trauma, continue to move forward, living in the present, tending to the land, and seeking peace in even the smallest moments.

Another group in Veturia is known as the Feathers, women who have completely lost their memories due to the overwhelming trauma of the war. Although they do not suffer from PTSD like the Shells, they are vulnerable in their own ways, often losing track of themselves. To be recognized and supported by the others, they wear crowns of flowers, a delicate symbol of their condition. The women of Veturia take special care to look after them, always ready to assist with a kind hand or comforting presence when needed.

The Sentinels, a third group, are survivors of the bombings who took shelter in half-destroyed bunkers. Hardened but not without hope, they patrol the outskirts of Veturia, searching for any signs of human life. They carry the weight of their trauma but have found strength in their purpose—protecting the weaker and ensuring the survival of their small society. The Sentinels, having faced their darkest thoughts, are driven by a desire to rebuild and protect, finding solace in helping Feathers and Shells.

Finally, there are the Philosophers, former thinkers and scholars who survived the destruction. Recognizable by their headpieces adorned with nests and threads, they play a unique role in Veturia. Their task is to provide new meaning to the life of the community, encouraging philosophical reflection and the improvement of social bonds. They lead discussions on compassion, self-awareness, and the importance of nurturing the emotional and moral fabric of the village. Their presence helps guide the women toward a more compassionate and thoughtful existence, far removed from the aggressive, war-driven past.

Life in Veturia flows slowly and gently, marked by small, intentional actions. The women tend to the land, grow their food, and take care of each other in a community rooted in compassion. Each day is a quiet resistance against the violence that destroyed the world they once knew, as they create a new way of being—one defined not by aggression or competition, but by nurturing and care. Veturia is more than a refuge; it is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, a place where peace and simplicity are cherished in a fractured, parallel reality.

THE ARTWORKS

#1 Elocin - Shell

Elocin rides along the muddy road with a bicycle loaded with basic necessities. Her face, pale and framed, seems to have absorbed the silence of the landscape around her. Her eyes, large and empty like two black mirrors, tell of a trauma that has transformed her soul into something fragile and suspended.

She often loses her aviator glasses, found by some sentry before she gets hurt by the light. Despite her peculiar appearance, she moves calmly, carrying an air of delicacy and gentleness that hides her inner scars, which only other Ethereals can understand.

#2 Hannavas - Sentinel

Standing in front of an old control tower, her fair hair waving in the wind, Hannavas gazes at the horizon. She wears a mechanical helmet that seems too large for his delicate face, almost like a protection from the harsh truths of the past. Despite her youth, her eyes reflect an intense determination.

A Sentinel, a survivor of the bombing, she lives in the contrast between her childlike appearance and her inner strength, determined to protect those who cannot defend themselves.

#3 Lehcar - Shell

Crouched among the plants, Lehcar carefully observes the shoots growing in a small garden. Her large pilot's glasses seem to dominate her face, but do not cover the gentleness with which she cares for the greenery around her.

She is one of the ‘Shell’, fragile and lost women who have found refuge in the simplicity of life. Although her actions are slow and thoughtful, her spirit is gentle and caring, attentive to every small detail of her distorted reality.

#4 Estelac - Feathers

Estelac, stands amidst a serene, decaying landscape, her floral crown a symbol of her identity as a Feather. Her blank, dreamy expression is that of someone who has lost all memories of the past, unaware of the trauma that still haunts Veturia.

Despite her vulnerability, she wears an air of quiet elegance, walking through life with the curious detachment of a child rediscovering the world. The other women are drawn to her, offering care and protection when needed, ensuring her safety in the fragile balance of this isolated society.

#5 Aydil & Seye -Sentinel/Shell

Aydil is one of the most experienced Sentinels and is responsible for the reforestation of the area. In her life before the great crisis she was a biologist. She always travels with Seye, a blind Shell, blinded by direct exposure to the the most intense bombings days.

She speaks very few words, but is good at reproducing the chirps of various bird species that are returning to Veturia. Her favourite is the sound of the starling.

#6 Enimsaj - Shell

Bent over a cluster of old, dusty radios, Enimsaj is lost in her hyperfocused attempt to pick up distant signals from the other hemisphere. Her hands move deftly across the dials, tuning in and out of static, hoping for a sign that there is something—someone—beyond Veturia’s silent isolation.

Though her trauma manifests in sudden bouts of anxiety and fear of small things, her concentration is almost unnerving when something piques her interest. In these rare moments, she finds a strange comfort in her meticulous work, as if the mechanical process can tune out her memories of chaos.

#7 Ecila - Philosopher

Dressed in intricate layers, Ecila wears a headdress adorned with thread and delicate twine, symbolizing her role as a Philosopher. She is a living embodiment of contemplation, her gaze always distant, as if pondering the cosmic questions that guide Veturia's fragile society.

Her presence is calming, a steady reminder that rebuilding after the devastation isn’t just about survival, but about finding new meaning in life. Her role is to inspire growth, pushing the women of Veturia towards compassion, introspection, and the pursuit of a deeper connection to each other.

#8 Ahtnamas - Feathers

Ahtnamas stands alone on a windswept hill, her face framed by a crown of wildflowers. She is one of the Feathers, women who have lost all memory of the past and live in a perpetual present. Her gaze is soft, unfocused, as though she sees the world through a dreamlike haze.

Though she cannot recall the horrors of the past, there is an innocent beauty to her oblivion, a quiet acceptance that contrasts sharply with the scars of those around her. Ahtnamas is a symbol of purity, untouched by the trauma that others carry, and is cared for tenderly by the women of Veturia.

#9 Anais - Sentinel

Anaid is a sentinel who keeps scanning the sky with her giant lenses, as if she wants to find an explanation for that fatal mistake that changed everything. But deep down, she knows that the war is far away and that the world is now different. His mission is no longer to prevent disaster, but to understand this new reality, where the ruins of the past coexist with the tranquillity of the present.

She was a Shell until a few years ago, but she has improved over time and now her gaze no longer goes in the direction of memories, but turns it attentively to the care of her other confused companions.

#10 Nagem - Shell

Nagem deeply scarred by the memories of the bombings, is unable to step out into the open air. The sky, vast and unforgiving, triggers her panic, so she moves through Veturia by using the network of old, crumbling bunkers, traveling underground from one point to another. She carries essentials like food and water for the women of Veturia, often leaving them by their doorsteps in the early hours of the morning.

Though her fear of the open world lingers, she is slowly healing. With each passing month, her bravery grows, and many believe that, one day, she may shed her past trauma and become a Sentinel.

#11 Acissej - Shell

With her heavy goggles and worn coat, Acissej marches through the ruins of Veturia with a determined, yet haunted, expression. As a Shell, she is one of the most battle-scarred members of the town, forever on edge from the trauma of the bombings.

Her goggles serve as protection from both the harsh light of the present and the overwhelming flashes of memory that constantly invade her mind. Despite her mental scars, Acissej is fiercely protective of her fellow inhabitants, patrolling the streets to ensure that Veturia remains a safe haven in an unforgiving world.

#12 Ainof - Shell

Ainos had once become one of the Sentinels, her strength and resilience admired by all in Veturia. She had faced her inner demons and found solace in helping others, patrolling the outskirts and caring for the weak. However, after a fierce storm ravaged the village, something inside her broke. The winds, the crashing rain, and the relentless chaos stirred up old traumas, and her torment returned with a vengeance.

Now, Ainos has retreated back into the haunted, fragile state of a Shell, her gaze distant once more. The once-vigilant Sentinel struggles to reclaim her former self, lost again in the depths of her own mind.

#13 Ellimac - Shell

Ellimac, like her Shell sisters, carries the haunted gaze of someone who has seen too much. There is a fragile strength in her posture, a will to keep moving despite the inner storm that rages in her mind. Her survival is driven by routine: quiet walks through the rubble of abandoned streets, the familiar sensation of wind against her face, and the odd comfort of isolation.

She finds solace in the ruins of Veturia, as if they mirror the shattered pieces of her soul. But despite it all, there is a flicker of hope in her eyes—a desire to find peace.

#14 Imoan - Sentinel

Imoan, always alert yet plagued by rumors that seem to fill her with a quiet dread, her binocles always on her head. She is one of the Sentinels, survivors who patrol Veturia and its surroundings.

Yet, Imoan’s unique role lies in her ability to help the Feathers reconnect with their memories. Using old photographs she carefully collects, she presents these glimpses of the past to women like Estelac, helping them piece together fragments of a world they’ve lost. Though cautious, her nurturing spirit makes her essential to the village’s fragile ecosystem.

#15 Anaderol - Philosopher

Anaderol’s weathered face tells a story of perseverance and deep scars—both emotional and physical. As the great Philosopher of Veturia, she is revered for her wisdom and ability to guide the community through their collective pain. Her headdress of tangled threads and small nests reflects her role in weaving together the remnants of their shattered world.

Despite her own suffering, Anaderol remains a beacon of hope, dedicating her life to helping the women heal and find new meaning in their existence. Her sharp intellect is matched only by her compassion, making her one of the few who truly understand the delicate balance between past and future.

#16 Nosidam - Shell

Sitting quietly amidst a collection of pumpkins, Nosidam’s gaze is soft but distant. Her clothing, though elegant, carries the weight of her trauma, marking her as one of the Shell. Nosidam finds solace in the small, simple tasks that help ground her, like tending to the land or sitting in silent contemplation.

Her connection to the earth and the cycles of life offers her a fragile sense of peace, and though she carries the scars of the past, she has found a way to survive, if not fully heal, in the calm of Veturia.

#17 Eoz and Alil - Sentinel

Eoz and Alil, the youngest, explores the village with vivid eyes. Their naivety reflects the spirit of the place: an innocent curiosity, devoid of the fear that had dominated the old world. They know nothing of war, only the tales and distant shadows of a conflict they have never seen.

Armed with their helmets and opaque lenses (more a game than a need), Eoz and Alil try to understand what cannot be explained, while the world around them changes, slowly, as in a dream. With their will to live, they bring serenity and relief to their Shell and Feathers companions.

#18 Enilam - Shell

Enilam wanders through the crumbling streets of Veturia, her oversized goggles obscuring her haunted eyes. As a member of the Shell, she has seen the worst of humanity, and her mind is a maze of memories she cannot escape. Her attire, dark and heavy, reflects the weight of her trauma, but her quiet determination to keep moving forward is a testament to her strength.

She was an orphan, adopted by the people of Veturia. Her life has encountered various personal catastrophes, but she is far from defeated, and her presence serves as a reminder that even in the darkest times, survival is possible.

#19 Ave - Shell

Ave stands at the threshold of transformation. Still wearing the telltale signs of the Shell - her blank stare, hesitant steps, and skittish movements - she is slowly shedding her trauma.

In her first life she was a Latin teacher, there is an air of determination about her as she begins her training as a Sentinel. No longer content to simply survive, Ave is learning to patrol the outskirts, seeking out new survivors and keeping watch over Veturia. Her progress is slow, but she shows a deep resilience, intent on leaving behind the shell of her former self and embracing a future of purpose.

#20 Arreis - Feathers

With her head crowned in a lush arrangement of roses and wildflowers, Arreis is a vision of tranquility. As a member of the Forgetful, she moves through life with a serene detachment, untroubled by the weight of the past. Her floral crown, a mark of her vulnerability, is a reminder to the other women to care for her, as she often loses track of her surroundings.

Though Arreis may seem distant, her presence brings a gentle, nurturing energy to the community, reminding the women of the beauty that can still be found in a world marked by devastation.

#21 Lebasi - Shell

Lebasi is a unique figure among the Shells, because she is cataleptic. She often slips into a dreamlike state, hovering between reality and her inner world. She walks slowly, as if perpetually sleepwalking, with a distant, unfocused gaze. Despite this, her presence is strangely reassuring to those around her, as if she carries with her an aura of silent reflection. The other women have learned to recognise these periods of withdrawal, gently guiding her if necessary, but allowing her to remain in her world until she feels ready to re-enter it.

She rarely speaks, but when she does, her words carry unexpected weight. Sometimes Lebasi's condition is punctuated by bursts of joy or sudden bursts of strange laughter, yet she is harmless, a gentle soul lost in her own mind.

#22 Aillerbag - Sentinel

Once an engineer, Alleirbag's sharp mind was central to maintaining vital systems before the bombings. Now, with her eyes always searching the horizon through her mask, she's trapped in the memories of destruction. She spends her days walking the deserted outskirts, tinkering with broken machines that seem to mirror her fragmented psyche. Her precise and methodical skills remain intact, but her soul remains haunted by the past. She is a quiet figure, drifting through the remnants of the world she once worked so hard to hold together.

Over the past year, her look has changed, she became a Sentinel about two months ago and her high sensitivity to sunlight is diminishing.

#23 Arvenig - Shell

A skilled seamstress before the war, Arvenig created intricate garments that adorned Veturia's women. Now, wearing an elaborate hat that almost echoes the complexity of her former creations, she hides behind her large goggles, shielding her eyes from the overwhelming sunlight. The fabric she once loved has been replaced by layers of protection, both physical and emotional.

She is still adept with her hands, stitching together fragments of old clothing, but her mind is lost, searching for meaning in every thread. Silent and distant, she wanders the streets as if looking for pieces of herself.

CONCLUSION

Thank you for delving into ‘Veturia, the Lonely Town’, a series of thoughts that had been running through my mind for some time and that I wanted to make visual.

I would like to make a short film of it in the future, I will update you if it happens. I don't like to make decisions about what will be, but I go with the flow of events.

If you want to know more about my research, here are some contacts:

X: @Hans__AI

Farcaster: @hansai

Instagram: @mirkolis

My Linktree: