Pistoletto's Third Paradise in Ukraine: Art as Peacemaking
Michelangelo Pistoletto's 'Third Paradise' symbol was reinterpreted by students at Kharkiv's Beketov University as part of the 'Jubilee of Hope' initiative promoted by MEAN (European Movement for Nonviolent Action) in Ukraine. The 14th mission of MEAN, inspired by Alexander Langer, aimed to create peace within war through art, spirituality, and civil witness. Students created a collective mural in a corridor connecting the bombed and intact parts of the university. Pistoletto's open-source artwork, freely reproducible with foundation authorization, serves as a device for participation and sharing. University rector Igor Biletsky stated, 'War is an absolute evil... but there is something worse than war: indifference.' The initiative underscores art's role in resisting indifference and anticipating peace.
Key facts
- Michelangelo Pistoletto's 'Third Paradise' was used in a peace initiative in Ukraine.
- The initiative was part of the 'Jubilee of Hope' promoted by MEAN.
- MEAN was founded in 2022 after the Russian invasion.
- The 14th mission took place in Kharkiv.
- Students at Beketov University reinterpreted the 'Third Paradise' symbol.
- A collective mural was created in a corridor connecting bombed and intact parts of the university.
- Rector Igor Biletsky spoke against indifference.
- Pistoletto's artwork is open-source and freely reproducible.
Entities
Artists
- Michelangelo Pistoletto
Institutions
- MEAN (Movimento Europeo di Azione Nonviolenta)
- Beketov University
- Fondazione Pistoletto
- Artribune
Locations
- Ukraine
- Kharkiv
- Gaza