This spring in the main lobby of our school everything is “bursting” with messages of
peace, freedom and love, and everything is meaningful and connected. The motif of the flower crown (originally by artist Frida Kahlo) which we recognize in many works of art on a symbolic level, is a link between different cultures and peoples. The floral crown is part of the Mexican, Ukrainian and Croatian folk costumes. Frida's illustrated quotes in the exhibition "Frida for Freedom" promote freedom, strength, hope and love, and harmoniously follow the messages of peace in graffiti called "Make Art Not War". This humanitarian exhibition, which shows images of peace but also possible world cataclysms, was created by MYP students during their art classes, in response to the war in Ukraine and the suffering of the Ukrainian people.

The entire exhibition, that is the visual identity of the school, in addition to the
humanitarian one, gained an educational dimension by focusing on solidarity, empathy, compassion and care for those who need our help. Just before Easter, suffering and pain are embodied in the motif of Jesus' crown of thorns, but also in Frida's thorn necklace, and in the wounded bird which was deprived of freedom. Jesus’ cry for forgiveness to “those who do not know what they are doing” leaves us breathless, in repentance for sins and in hope of a more humane tomorrow. All the artistic works of our students reflect the joys of Easter in the most sincere manner.

Ivana Devernay Cimic, M.A.
Head of Visual Identity at the Matija Gubec International School, Zagreb