Peace by Piece, building a future together (2025)

This mosaic artwork is the result of an exchange project, facilitated by BeGlobal, between Ukrainian and Belgian UNESCO Associated Schools (ASPnet). The design is based on the original work of Karina Chizhenko, a 16-year-old student at the Professional College of KROK University in Kiev. Her artwork was selected among many other drawings from the participating Ukrainian schools.

“First, I chose a theme that resonated with me the most. I started by sketching the illustration in pencil before bringing it to life with gouache paints. The dove symbolizes peace, while the flowers add a sense of lightness and freedom. To me, this artwork conveys a feeling of calm and security. That is why I decided to integrate the image of a dove with floral elements in the style of Petrykivka painting.”
—Karina Chizhenko, 1st-year student, College.

Petrykivka’s decorative painting is a unique Ukrainian art inscribed in 2013 on UNESCO’s list of the Intangible Cultural Heritage. The ornamental tradition is known for its vibrant floral and natural motifs and rich symbolism. In folk belief, the paintings protect people from sorrow and evil. The tradition has been passed down through generations and remains an integral part of Ukraine’s cultural identity, taught in schools and practiced by families across the country.

The mosaic workshop was organised on 24 March 2025 for 27 students, teachers and principals of 10 Ukrainian schools, under the guidance of Iranian artist Mohsen Norani, in Brussels. The work carries an even deeper symbolism. Embedded within it are fragments of tiles from buildings in Ukraine that were damaged due to the war, brought by the participants. By integrating these fragments into the mosaic, the artwork embodies a powerful message: even from the ruins of destruction, something new and meaningful can be created.

The dove in the artwork, universal symbol of peace, reminds us of the resilience of communities and the power of rebuilding together. It is a visual representation of the exchange project’s broader themes: promoting peace, rebuilding school communities, and addressing mental health. These themes are critical for a country still facing the realities of war, emphasizing that reconstruction must go beyond infrastructure to also focus on people, relationships, and emotional well-being. May this piece serve as a symbol of resilience, friendship, and a future built together, peace by piece.