Ukrainian Art Project Featuring Children with Special Needs Sets World Record
A powerful symbol of inclusion, resilience, and creative unity has entered the record books. The art project “Shades of Strength: Esmeralda”, created in Kyiv with the participation of children with special educational needs, has officially been recognized by the World Records Union (Worldkings) as the most complex artwork in the world by materials used, The Gaze reports, citing the Ministry of Culture and Strategic Communication of Ukraine.
The registration ceremony took place at Kyiv Specialized School No. 297, where students — including those with special needs — worked alongside artist Yevheniia Fullen to create the painting “Notre-Dame”, the centerpiece of the project.
The event was attended by Oleh Kurochenko, State Secretary of Ukraine’s Ministry of Culture and Strategic Communications, who emphasized the importance of the initiative as an example of creative unity for a shared purpose.
“This is not just a painting — it’s a message,” said Kurochenko. “It shows that everyone, regardless of ability, is visible, valuable, and worthy of respect.”
The record-setting canvas incorporates over 125 unique materials, ranging from natural pigments and artistic paints to coal, iodine, beets, medication, decorative cosmetics, pearls, and even the Ukrainian-made Kolorit paint. Each component carries its own story — of pain, transformation, strength, and hope.
The collaborative nature of the project turned “Shades of Strength: Esmeralda” into a vibrant visual symbol of inclusivity and cultural resilience.
The artwork is now scheduled to be presented at the Council of Europe in Strasbourg, as a modern representation of Ukraine’s cultural identity and spirit in the face of adversity.
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