When war reshapes the contours of life, many Ukrainian women are left alone. Husbands, sons, and brothers are gone – but their ties and suits still hang in the closet.
Gently, carefully, they take them down, running their fingers over the fabric. They remember the hands that tied them in the morning, a quick kiss at the door, a voice promising to return in the evening. How can such a small detail hold so much love – and yet cause so much pain?
With needle and thread, a journey through grief and memories begins. Women unpick, cut, and sew until their fingers bleed. Tears fall, but their hands keep working. Stitch by stitch, something new takes shape – a symbol of love, of loss, of a story that must never be forgotten.
The tie becomes a brooch – a small yet powerful reminder. Pinned close to the heart, it keeps the memory alive, where grief slowly transforms into strength, where the loved ones never truly disappear.
OPEN CALL: We Collect Ties & Stories from Women Around the World
Do you have a tie with a story? A memory woven into its fabric? We invite women from around the world to donate a tie and share its story. Together, we will create a global exhibition that brings these memories to life. Become part of something meaningful!
Send us your tie & story to:
Ludmila Christeseva @Artten Gallery
Artillerigatan 10
11451 Stockholm
Workshop: Upcycle Your Tie
Donate your old tie and join a creative workshop led by Ukrainian women.
🔹 No sewing skills needed
🔹Free of charge – just a 100 SEK donation for materials!
Drop by Booth B14:07 at Stockholmsmässan between February 21–23. Kindly reserve a spot here. Opening Hours:
🗓 Friday, February 21 – 10:00-18:00
🗓 Saturday, February 22 – 10:00-18:00
🗓 Sunday, February 23 – 10:00-16:00
