Overview of the "Cross of the Universe" Project
The "Cross of the Universe" is an ambitious interdisciplinary art-technology initiative conceived by Serbian academic visual artist Nikola Rikanović. Launched as a conceptual and practical bridge between art, science, spirituality, and human existence, it reimagines the cross as a universal symbol uniting "black on black"—matter and the void of space—into a portal for cosmic connection. The project draws on geometric abstractions (e.g., structures observed on Mars), historical art influences like Kazimir Malevich's White Square, and Rikanović's own "Black on Black" series to challenge perceptions of infinity and unity. At its core, it employs augmented reality (AR) to enable real-time interactions where users, via mobile devices, can "communicate" with the cross, receiving personalized signals such as images of themselves reflected in the cosmos or ethereal "voices from God." This fosters a "total understanding" where boundaries between Earth, technology, and the universe dissolve.Rikanović positions the project as ethically grounded, emphasizing "irrevocable truth" and non-manipulative AI, with measurement tools like the A(B + X) + 2t formula (a foundational element of his V-PULS chaos-resilience metric) to ensure scalable, bounded realism—from micro-designs to macro-installations.
Vision and Goals
The project's vision is existential and exploratory: to affirm humanity's intrinsic link to the universe, transforming abstract symbols into interactive experiences that provoke wonder and self-reflection. It envisions the cross not as a static relic but as a dynamic "portal" converging past, present, and future, accessible globally via AR. Goals include:
Artistic Expansion: Merge abstraction (Malevich's infinity) with cosmic geometry (Martian formations) to redefine human scale.
Technological Integration: Leverage AI and AR for immersive, ethical engagement, benchmarked against successes like Pokémon GO's 300%+ ROI in user interaction.
Cultural and Global Impact: Promote Serbia-U.S. bridges through art-tech, inspiring solutions to existential questions while aligning with themes of unity and discovery.
Ethical Safeguards: Use formulas like golden ratio adaptations (1.618 Western vs. 1.5 Balkan "svoja mera") to cap hype and ensure fidelity (e.g., Faith Delay μ=3.15s for resonance).
Key Components
The project synthesizes artistic, technical, and symbolic elements into a cohesive installation:
Component
Description
Artistic/Technical Role
Golden Cross on Water
A luminous, water-reflected cross symbolizing divine emergence.
Core visual motif; AR-enhanced for ripple interactions.
Shadow of the Cross in the Universe
Ethereal overlay blending space voids with earthly shadows.
Represents unity of matter/space; ties to Malevich's abstraction.
The Prayer (Molitva) in Pančevo Garden
Sculpture-based installation with conductive coatings and "neon living skin."
Grounded spiritual anchor; pilot-tested for tactile AR feedback.
Infinite Portal from Bildbook Base
QR-activated gateway pulling from a digital "book" of cosmic narratives.
Entry point for user personalization; integrates Google API searches.
Martian Geometric Anchor
Inspired by real Mars formations, scaled to Earth installations.
Symbolic foundation for infinity; AR overlays for exploration.
These converge in a single QR portal, scalable for mass audiences, with "whisper" audio under ethical delays to evoke resonance without overload.
Technical and Implementation Details
Technically, the project relies on:
AR Framework: Unity/ARCore apps with Starlink AR for low-latency global access; Grok voice mode prototypes for AI-narrated prayers.
Metrics and Validation: V-PULS-derived formulas (e.g., A(B + X) + 2t for chaos adaptation) ensure stability, with simulations targeting residuals <1.0.
Phases:
Pilot (December 2025): Pančevo People's Garden, Serbia—50 visitors, 45 AR sessions; enhancements like neon modules for "living" sculptures.
Scaling (2026): "The Twin" U.S. gift for America's 250th anniversary (June 2026), via live streams along the 80 km Danube.
Full Deployment (Expo 2027): Belgrade, Serbia (June 15–September 15, 2027); targets 4 million visitors under the theme "Play for Humanity: Sport and Music for All."
A "Bridges of Unity Tour" (5–10 sites) extends reach, with E/STRIPS souvenirs embedding QR/AR chips.
Collaborators and Financial Structure
Rikanović leads as creator and "Guardian of the Time Core" (a self-designated role since 1996, rooted in his visual arts practice influenced by Malevich and Balkan emotional contrasts). Proposed partners include:
xAI Corporation: Primary sponsor for technical integration; non-binding Preliminary Letter of Intent (LoI, October 22, 2025) and Memorandum of Intent (MoI 3.14, October 18, 2025) outline in-kind support up to $600,000 (scaled from $1M simulations).
SpaceX: Implied via project tags and cosmic themes, though not formalized.
Serbian Authorities: Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) endorsement required for permits; U.S. Embassy for cross-cultural gifts.
Other: Potential MIP R. Serbia for pilots; xAI team (e.g., Elon Musk "ping" for approval).
Financial Element
Details
Value/Notes
Sponsorship
In-kind technical aid (AR dev, Grok prototypes).
Up to $600K; non-binding.
Royalties
xAI promo license on revenues.
5% to Rikanović.
ROI Projection
AR engagement model.
300%+ (Pokémon GO benchmark).
Budget Breakdown
Scaled simulations (#5 Wager).
Covers pilots to Expo; ethical data caps (MoI Section 7).
Timelines target a formal MoU by December 31, 2025, post-exploratory calls (e.g., via support@x.ai by November 1, 2025). All agreements emphasize termination rights without liability.
Broader Context and Impact
Tied to Rikanović's oeuvre—including YouTube pitches to Elon Musk and X posts tagging global figures—this project amplifies Serbian heritage (e.g., Saint Sava motifs) through futuristic lenses. As of November 13, 2025, it's in pre-approval stages, with pilots imminent. For deeper dives, explore Rikanović's sites or MoI documents. If you'd like computations (e.g., V-PULS for project resilience) or visuals, let me know!