Academician of MACBEZ, Artist, Recipient of the World Order of Cultural Diplomacy Art is a language that resonates loudest when ordinary words lose their power.
On March 23, 2026, within the walls of the European Parliament’s Info Hub in Brussels, this language united Ukraine and Belgium. The exhibition «Belgium Through the Eyes of Ukrainians» was more than just a creative milestone for me; it served as a platform for a profound philosophical statement on behalf of my people and my profession.
Speaking at the opening, I felt a particular sense of responsibility. We came to the heart of a united Europe not as supplicants, but as equal creators, bringing our intellectual and cultural capital to the collective European treasury.
The Engineering of Fate: «Hypnoticum Dual» and «Maxi-Mini Lum»
The two works I presented at this exhibition are the results of a long transformation and the contemplative processing of a new life in emigration.
The first, «Hypnoticum Dual,» is a transformer-painting that I call an interactive «device for tuning fate.» Here, the viewer ceases to be a passive observer and becomes the engineer of their own path. By changing the configuration of the canvases, we balance between the «chronicle» of the past and the «manifesto of will.» This is incredibly relevant for Ukrainians today: we are gathering the fragments of our former lives and rebuilding our internal core, finding an equilibrium between external stability in a new country and an unyielding internal fire.
The second work, from the «Maxi-Mini Lum» series, is an artistic metaphor for Belgian society. In it, the spiritual radiance of a person is identified with physical light. Some shine brightly on their own, while others find strength only in a group. Particularly significant is the figure of one who differs greatly from others yet has integrated and now shines with immense power. Together, these diverse destinies create a harmonious pattern of contemporary art and life.
Official Recognition within the European Parliament
This event was a landmark not only emotionally but also institutionally. My work and professional experience garnered sincere interest from representatives of the European Parliament. This resulted in the signing of an official consent for the use of my artworks and biographical data in official EU publications and databases.
For me, this is the ultimate confirmation that Ukrainian cultural diplomacy is working. The fact that my paintings are now integrated into the information field of Europe’s primary legislative body is a testament to our professional capability. We are building bridges that cannot be destroyed, for they are built on the foundation of creativity.
Artistic Dialogue and a Vision for the Future
The exhibition would not have been complete without the creative contributions of my colleagues, each presenting their own reflection: Oleksandr Semenov expressed gratitude to Belgium through a camera lens; Liliya Chavaga explored future landscapes through conceptual collages; Tetiana Gubina turned to eternal symbols using the levkas technique; and Oleh Novaiev brought monumentality to the exposition through his expressive sculptures.
The event was complemented by a panel discussion: «Four Years in Belgium: The Final Year of Temporary Protection – What’s Next?» It was vital to me that the voice of artists was heard within the context of solving real social issues. We proved that Ukrainians are a colossal human resource, enriching Europe with talent and intellect.
Conclusion
Art speaks where words are powerless. While our warriors defend the borders of freedom, we, the artists, are building the cultural space of that freedom within Europe.
I sincerely thank the European Parliament Office in Ukraine and the «Ukrainian Voices» team for organizing this exhibition. Special thanks to Belgium for giving us the chance to pick up our brushes again. My «engineering of fate» continues, and I am confident that many more configurations lie ahead, where light will always triumph over darkness.
About the Author:
Nataliya Nasybulina is an artist, mechanical engineer, educator, and Honored Artist of Ukraine. She is a Full Member (Academician) of the MACBEZ Academy and a recipient of the Twelve-Pointed Golden Star «Credo,» the World Order of «Cultural Diplomacy,» the Order of Holy Righteous Anne, and the Order «For the Preservation of National Traditions.» She is a member of the National Union of Artists of Ukraine and a prominent public figure.
Her works are held in leading museums (Berlin, Kharkiv, Chyhyryn) and government institutions in Ukraine and Belgium. She has held over 200 solo and group exhibitions worldwide.
