Ukrainian women fled the war, uncertain about what life had to offer them. In Sweden, they have joined the peace-building initiative led by the curator Ludmila Christeseva, giving birth to the textile movement for peace “Crafts that Unite, Heal, and Last”. The women have been driven by the noble goal of preserving the lives of their husbands and sons, symbolized by the recurring camouflage pattern of hope and optimism.
Participating as visual artists and activists, the Ukrainian refugee women have immersed themselves in art installations, public projects, performances, and storytelling. They are all self-taught, drawing inspiration from the pain, sorrow, loss, and uncertainty that surround them.
Weaving is a form of therapy and recovery from the trauma of war, depression, and loss. This initial experimentation, starting in 2022, led to the creation of stunning textile installations, serving as a means to navigate the impacts of war and emotional pain.
Supported by Ludmila Christeseva, weaving provided a space for healing, recreation, resilience, reflection, and contemplation. Every month, they embark on a new chapter of their weaving journey, inviting the public to join in their creative endeavors. Through the act of weaving, they discover a vital contemporary dialogue of understanding, forgiveness, hope, and optimism.
Their abstract patterns and messages reflect the emotional spectrum of recovery, healing, and transformation. Their work allows them to inhabit a space where their fullest selves as Eastern European female identities are celebrated on the backdrop of distorted lens of Russian propaganda. In 2023, they supported Ludmila Christeseva to establish the Artten Foundation and an artist-in-residency program at Artten Gallery, initiatives that empower women and youth. The work of the Women of Artten has garnered numerous awards and recognition including the Nelson Mandela nomination, and their exhibitions have included:
Armemuseum
Livrustkammaren
Oslo Freedom Forum
Sustainability Fair
Sewing and Crafts Festival
Stockholm Craft Week
Stockholm Design Week
Stockholm Cultural Night
Kulturfestivalen
