In 2019, the Belarusian female artists illustrated and published the book She was about sixteen outstanding women in Belarusian history. A lot of people around the world choose to contribute to a book project through crowdfunding campaign, viewing it as a chance to support both the great curatorial initiative and female artists in Belarus on their way towards visibility. The visual artist and independent curator L. Christeseva was one of the contributors:
I received my master's degree in art in Vitebsk (Belarus), which at that time was known as a hotspot for the period of art history which had been shaped by some of the most revolutionary minds of Russian avant-garde: including Vassily Kandinsky, El Lissitzky, Ivan Pouni, Kazimir Malevich, and Marc Chagall. I learned that Art history has been shaped by male artists and that still today their legacies represent a strong reference point which acted as a secure launching pad for my professional career.
Today, now that the book is published, I am proudly displaying it on my shelf and I always buy some extra copies to give away to my Swedish friends and colleagues. Referring to a number of female pioneers in Belarusian history, the book reminds everyone that there have been many amazing women who have influenced Belarusian art including Alena Kish, Sophia Grojsman, Aliena Aladava along with men.
L.Christeseva
Written in Belarusian and Russian languages with English subtitles, the edition represents an important reading for both adults and children highlighting female talents and success. Referring to a number of female pioneers in Belarusian history, the book reminds everyone that there have been many amazing women who have influenced Belarusian art including Alena Kish, Sophia Grojsman, Aliena Aladava along with men.
Working in solidarity on this project, Belarusian artists recognized the significance of collaboration and the power of sisterhood in supporting and sharing success among women. The book “She Was” promotes global sisterhood through the collaborative efforts of local creators. This initiative, spearheaded by Belarusian curator Irina Solomatina, aims to enhance the visibility of female artists in Belarus and on a broader international scale.
Fall 2021, at the FiLiA conference, Artten Gallery presented the book for an international audience.
The book is available for purchase and your contribution is highly appreciated.
She was:
16 Women who became part of the history of Belarus
Illustrated by the contemporary Belarusian female artists, the book represents an important reading for children and adults.
FiLiA is a women-led volunteer organization and it is part of the Women’s Liberation Movement.
Artten Gallery is an art space in central Stockholm offering strategies for turning female talents to proceed in their careers. Led by the artist L.Christeseva, the gallery has collaborated with major art institutions including Stockholmshem, Stockholm municipality, Armémuseum, the Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Södertörn University, Sergelgatans Konsthall, Nordiska museum, Dansmuseet, Stockholms Universitet and many others.