The Art of MFF

The Cross of Peace: Visual Narrative

Origin of Matter

Fragments collected from the battlefields of Ukraine

Odesa, 2023 — Creation of The Cross of Peace

The Art of MFF | Viktor Bielchyk, master welder and collaborator of Sergey Melnikoff (MFF), examining shrapnel fragments delivered from the front lines at his workshop in Odesa, 2023. Photo by Mariia Universaliuk

Viktor Bielchyk examining shrapnel fragments collected from the front lines.

Photo: Mariia Universaliuk

The Art of MFF | Fragments from over 3,000 rifle cartridges used as ornamental elements in "The Cross of Peace" by Sergey Melnikoff (MFF), Odesa, 2023. MFF Archive

Fragments from 3,000 rifle cartridges used in the ornamentation of The Cross of Peace.

Photo: MFF Archive

The Arts of MFF | “Fabric” elements made from 23 mm and 30 mm autocannon shell casings, forged into flat segments.

“Fabric” elements made from 30 mm autocannon shell casings, forged into flat segments.

Photo: MFF Archive

The Art of MFF | Fragments of exploded shells form the foundation of the Ashes of War sculptures.

Fragments of exploded shells form the foundation of the Ashes of War sculptures.

Photo: MFF Archive

The Art of MFF | Fragments are selected for their original form, preserved in the Ashes of War technique.

Fragments are selected for their original form, preserved in the Ashes of War technique.

Photo: MFF Archive

The Art of MFF | Ornamentation of The Cross of Peace from cut cartridge bases of various calibres.

Ornamentation of The Cross of Peace from cut cartridge bases of various calibres.

Photo: MFF Archive

Fragments of exploded shells form the foundation of the Ashes of War sculptures.

Photo: MFF Archive

Fragments of exploded shells form the foundation of the Ashes of War sculptures.

Photo: MFF Archive

Fragments of exploded shells form the foundation of the Ashes of War sculptures.

Photo: MFF Archive

Fragments of exploded shells form the foundation of the Ashes of War sculptures.

Photo: MFF Archive

Fragments of exploded shells form the foundation of the Ashes of War sculptures.

Photo: MFF Archive

Fragments of exploded shells form the foundation of the Ashes of War sculptures.

Photo: Mariia Universaliuk

Fragments of exploded shells form the foundation of the Ashes of War sculptures.

Photo: MFF Archive

Fragments of exploded shells form the foundation of the Ashes of War sculptures.

Photo: MFF Archive

The Art of MFF | Fragments of exploded shells form the foundation of the Ashes of War sculptures.

Fragments of exploded shells form the foundation of the Ashes of War sculptures.

Photo: MFF Archive

Formation of the Christ Figure

The Ashes of War technique at work

Odesa, 2023 — Creation of The Cross of Peace

The Arts of MFF | The creation of the Christ figure begins with the careful arrangement of the first layer of fragments. MFF Archive

The first layer of fragments marks the beginning of the Christ figure.

Photo: MFF Archive

From several hundred tiny fragments, half of the Christ figure’s face begins to emerge.

Photo: MFF Archive

An intermediate stage in the emergence of the Christ figure in the Ashes of War technique.

Photo: MFF Archive

The Art of MFF | Chemically cleaned element prior to gold electroplating in the galvanic process.

Chemically cleaned element prior to gold electroplating in the galvanic process.

Photo: MFF Archive

“Hair” and crown of thorns formed from elongated and spike-shaped fragments.

Photo: MFF Archive

Revelation of the Christ Figure in the Golden Form Emerging from Fragments.

Photo: Mariia Universaliuk

Fragments of exploded shells form the foundation of the Ashes of War sculptures.

Photo: MFF Archive

Fragments of exploded shells form the foundation of the Ashes of War sculptures.

Photo: MFF Archive

Fragments of exploded shells form the foundation of the Ashes of War sculptures.

Photo: MFF Archive

Fragments of exploded shells form the foundation of the Ashes of War sculptures.

Photo: MFF Archive

Fragments of exploded shells form the foundation of the Ashes of War sculptures.

Photo: MFF Archive

Fragments of exploded shells form the foundation of the Ashes of War sculptures.

Photo: MFF Archive

Fragments of exploded shells form the foundation of the Ashes of War sculptures.

Photo: MFF Archive

Fragments of exploded shells form the foundation of the Ashes of War sculptures.

Photo: MFF Archive

Fragments of exploded shells form the foundation of the Ashes of War sculptures.

Photo: MFF Archive

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