Ode to the internet: Moscow unveils new monument to the smartphone

The inescapable lure of the smartphone screen might already be a cultural mainstay — but now constant connectivity is finally being celebrated with an official “monument to the mobile internet” in the heart of Moscow.

The sculpture, designed by artist Yegor Shabanov, was backed by Russian telecoms company MTS. It shows a figure being literally sucked into the virtual world, highlighting both escapism and dangerous distraction

Shabanov admits that he initially had doubts on whether to submit the design, which he describes as “controversial and ironic.”

“On the one hand, this central character is a free and mobile person who can roam wherever he wants while still staying in touch,” he said. “On the other, he’s entirely dependent on this gadget. In any case, he’s a bright and eye-catching character who I’m sure will star in plenty of Instagram shots.”