Glory to Ukraine!
The Cross of Peace
A GLOBAL SYMBOL OF HARMONY AND UNITY
Sponsors: Alexander Kostetsky and Kristina Hoiman, Ardavazd Eksuzian, Yuriy Lysyuk, Viktoria Mazur, Bohdan Shumeyko, Maria Universaliuk, Vadym Volkov, Alexander Zolotarev, Ostap Tsitsak
State Border Guard Service of Ukraine | RECKLAMA Internet Agency | LENARDO FOUNDATION | HOSTPRO.UA | Hilti-Ukraine
Supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine
Sergey Melnikoff and Ukrainian metalwork expert Viktor Belchik have created a unique piece of contemporary art of global historical significance—the "Cross of Peace." This installation, featuring a crucified Christ figure, is made from tens of thousands of small fragments of artillery shells and mines collected from Ukrainian fields and plated in 999.9-purity gold. Due to its profound significance to the Christian world, art historians equate the "Cross of Peace" with masterpieces of the Renaissance era.
Created from the "ashes of war," this installation, which represents Ukraine in the world of high art, transcends national and religious boundaries. The "Cross of Peace" unites the symbolism of Orthodoxy, Catholicism, and Protestantism, carrying special meaning in the context of church divisions dating back to the Great Schism of 1054.
The stages of creating this masterpiece are documented in an ongoing brochure, presented by the national provider HostPro.Ua, a sponsor of this resource.
“A notable contrast in the work is its allusion to British artist Damien Hirst’s piece known as the ‘Diamond Skull,’ sold for $100 million. Unlike Hirst’s works, which are designed for individual perception, the ‘Cross of Peace’ symbolizes a global pursuit of peace. In contrast to Hirst’s title, ‘For the Love of God,’ used for his platinum human skull encrusted with 8,601 diamonds, Melnikoff offers a deeper concept with the phrase ‘For the Love of Humanity,’ signifying art created in service to people rather than aimed at human vanity.
The ‘Cross of Peace’ embodies Christ’s sacrifice and suffering for the salvation of humanity, becoming a symbol of hope and faith—unlike the glamorous aesthetics of Hirst’s work, centered on material value. Through his work, Serhiy Melnikoff seeks to unite humanity around a shared responsibility and a commitment to peace.”
