The Human Rights Foundation in New York invited Ludmila Christeseva to host a weaving workshop titled “Women Weave for Peace.” On June 15th, during the XV Oslo Freedom Forum 2023, Christeseva engaged thousands of participants in a collective weaving process, culminating in a collaborative textile artwork titled “Solidarity” (4 x 3 meters).
Joined by a team of Ukrainian refugee mothers and their teenage sons, Christeseva shed light on the profound trauma experienced by forcibly displaced civilians—emphasizing the importance of listening to their stories.
The unique artwork incorporated handmade granny squares and recycled textiles sourced from Norwegian homes, serving as the primary materials for the workshop. The granny squares were collected through the international open call “Suzani for Peace,” launched in spring 2023. Women from across the globe—including Turkey, Belarus, Brazil, Germany, and the USA—responded by contributing their handcrafted pieces.
Ludmila Christeseva, the initiative’s creative director, managed daily submissions with care and dedication. Her vision of amplifying women’s voices for peace was gradually taking form—culminating in a powerful and distinctive textile artwork.
The initiative was supported by an international board of collaborators, including Konca Yumlu (Turkey), Irina Shalimova (Ukraine), and Emma Bernhard (France).
On September 16th, Ludmila Christeseva received an invitation from UN curator Lisa Russel to participate in the “We, the Artists! March.” Collaborating with New York-based artists, Ludmila Christeseva showcased the “Solidarity” artwork in the USA, preceding the UN General Assembly in 2023 and the globally celebrated International Day of Peace on September 21st.
Ludmila Christeseva deeply values the creative support she received from a global community of women. Today, the artwork “Solidarity” is housed at the Hsuan Yu Pan Films Studios in New York.
Crafts that unite, heal and last
Project idea: L.Christeseva ART
