We were lucky to catch up with Ludmila Christeseva recently and have shared our conversation below.
Ludmila, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
Growing up in Belarus, I lacked support from my mother and sister, with our relationships shaped by rivalry and misunderstanding. When I found solidarity with other women, I realized how vital support and empowerment are for personal growth and collective success. This sparked my desire to create spaces where women can unite, share stories, and build strength together.
Supporting Ukrainian women and children displaced by war deepened my purpose. Their resilience inspired me to use my art and community projects as tools for healing, empowerment, and global sisterhood.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I run Artten, a gallery located in the heart of Stockholm, renowned for showcasing art projects with a strong societal impact. At a time when audiences yearn for hope, optimism, and peace, our community-driven initiatives aim to unite and inspire people toward a brighter future.
One of our flagship projects, Restart Ukraine, features powerful paintings by Ukrainian and Swedish children. This initiative has received global recognition, with many artworks sold as symbols of hope and a shared longing for peace.
Additionally, I curate an extraordinary group of Ukrainian women artists unpacking their talents through our art collective, Women of Artten. Together, they have created remarkable artworks and exhibited at prestigious venues, including the Swedish Armoury Museum, the Army Museum in Stockholm, and the Oslo Freedom Forum.
Our collective is also featured in an upcoming documentary by U.S.-based filmmaker Hsuan Yu Pan, set to launch in 2025. This is an incredible opportunity for your readers to support the documentary’s production through donations, helping to amplify these women’s voices and stories globally.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, empathy and empowerment have been the foundation of my journey, allowing me to connect deeply with others, particularly those facing challenges. I believe in active listening, validating experiences, and creating spaces that foster growth within communities. Turning challenges into opportunities has been crucial for my artistic development, and it’s a skill that can be cultivated. Embracing new ideas and staying open to change has been key to my success. Throughout my career, I’ve built strong, meaningful relationships and surrounded myself with incredible women. For women, collaboration is far more powerful than competition—success is best shared.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
I am seeking collaborations with galleries to showcase the Restart Ukraine art collection, a deeply meaningful project that serves as a poignant legacy of the war. Featuring paintings by Ukrainian and Swedish children, this collection conveys a powerful message of hope and resilience in the face of adversity. By partnering on this project, we can amplify the voices of those affected by the war and inspire positive change through the transformative power of art.
Another project close to my heart is titled “The Best Apple Pie Recipes from Political Prisoners.” This initiative involves collecting recipes and stories from Belarusian political prisoners, weaving together culinary traditions with narratives of resilience and humanity. I warmly welcome contributions from others who have faced similar struggles, broadening the project’s scope and significance.
This book builds on my earlier work, including the animation “My Apple Tree Behind Bars,” which portrays a moving story of hope and resistance. On June 1st, 2024, I initiated a collaborative effort with Belarusian female artists to plant an Apple Tree for Democracy in a secret location in Belarus. This tree stands as a powerful symbol of resistance, growth, and the time required for meaningful change. It represents the hope for a future where the people of Belarus regain their freedom of expression and self-determination.
While the tree flourishes in Belarus, I remain here in Europe, longing for my homeland. In the context of increasing migration and displacement, I believe it is crucial to connect with others, spark meaningful discussions, and explore how we can collectively support one another to build a brighter, more hopeful future.
More information at https://artten.se/
Contact Info:
- Website: https://artten.se/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arttengallery/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ludmila.christeseva/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christeseva/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@christeseva
- Other: https://christeseva.com/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ludmila_Christeseva
Image Credits
1. Portrait of Ludmila Christeseva. Photo: Anders E. Skånberg
2. Restart Ukraine, mixed media on canvas, 40 x 40 cm, read more at https://artten.se/
3. Restart Ukraine, mixed media on canvas, 40 x 40 cm, read more at https://artten.se/
4. Restart Ukraine, mixed media on canvas, 40 x 40 cm, read more at https://artten.se/
5. Abstract and untitled, mixed media on canvas, 100 x 85 cm, 2024.
6. Sisterhood, mixed media on canvas, 100 x 100 cm, 2021.
7. Dear Lena, mixed media on canvas, 100 x 100 cm, 2021.
8. Sistes, mixed media on canvas, 100 x 100 cm, 2021.
9. Scopophilia, photo on plexiglass, 70 x 70 cm.
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
