Draft:Cross of Peace

The head of the Christ the Savior sculpture, assembled from tiny artillery mine fragments and plated with 999.9 gold using the galvanic method

The Cross of Peace is an artistic installation created by American artist of Ukrainian descent Sergey Melnikoff, a.k.a. MFF, combining the symbolism of religion, national identity, and the struggle for peace. The central element of the installation is the Golden Crucifix — a sculpture of the crucified Christ made from 20,000 small fragments of artillery mines and shells, all covered in pure gold.

Description of the Artwork

The Golden Crucifix is part of the Cross of Peace installation, symbolizing the suffering, heroism, and resilience of the Ukrainian people amidst war. The sculpture of the crucified Christ, life-sized, is made from fragments that have not been mechanically altered, with each element having its own unique shape. Every detail, from the muscles to the face, forms part of a massive puzzle consisting of countless tiny pieces.

The material for the sculpture was gathered from combat zones, mostly in Ukraine, and was carefully sorted by the artist. Due to the historical and religious significance of this piece, art critics compare the Golden Crucifix to the Renaissance period for its artistic craftsmanship and symbolic value.

Ukrainian Craftsmanship

Sergey Melnikoff (right) and Victor Bielchyk stand in front of the golden figure of the crucified Christ the Savior, celebrating the completion of the grand sculpture

The installation was created with the involvement of Ukrainian artisans, including Viktor Bielchyk, who developed unique techniques for electrically welding very small cast iron fragments, as well as Sergey Naumenko and Vitaliy Zhuk, who gilded the sculpture. A special bath was designed specifically for gilding the one-and-a-half-meter figure using the electroplating method.

Symbolism

Sergey Melnikoff and Victor Bielchyk (below) proudly display the majestic cross they created from technological pipes salvaged from high-rise buildings in Kharkiv and Odessa, destroyed by Russian missiles

The Cross of Peace installation unites the symbolism of Orthodoxy, Catholicism, and Protestantism, highlighting the importance of unity among different Christian denominations. The left side of the cross is made according to Orthodox traditions, the right side follows Protestant principles, and the upper part is crafted in the Catholic tradition.

A particularly significant symbol is the ancient towel tied around the waist of Christ, underscoring the Ukrainian origins of the artwork. The towel is a symbol of national identity and tradition in Ukrainian culture, linking the living and the dead.

Parts of the Installation

The cross, standing at three meters, is made from pipes dismantled from buildings destroyed by Russian missiles in Kharkiv and Odessa. The structure of the cross incorporates more than 3,000 bullet and machine gun shell casings, adding a harshness to the piece and symbolizing the enormous human cost. At the feet of Christ lies an artillery shell as a symbol of absolute evil, supported by an anti-tank obstacle made from railway rails produced at the "Azovstal" factory after World War II, which remained after Russian shelling in 2023.

Charitable Mission

Victor Bielchyk is seen among thousands of fragments of military ammunition. The sculptural image of Jesus Christ was constructed from 20,000 small fragments of artillery mines and shells

The primary goal of the Cross of Peace installation is to raise funds for the creation of an International Rehabilitation Center for Ukrainian children who have been affected by the war. The center, planned to open in Albania, will serve as a symbol of hope and aid for children who have lost limbs and have become victims of the war. The installation is currently traveling across Europe.

Property

The author of the artwork has transferred ownership to the American charitable corporation, The Soul of Ukraine Foundation, Inc.