Belarusian artist Alla Kosteleckaya channels her introspections into powerful imagery that encourages mindful observation and deep thought. Through her works, Alla offers glimpses into her inner landscape, engaging the viewer in a journey of reflection and awakening.
In this interview, she shares personal insights, including how a powerful life event sparked her artistic journey. We invite you to discover her story.
Cosmina / PPG: Before we dive in, tell us a few things about yourself.
My name is Alla Kosteletskaya. I was born in 1963 in Belarus. I live and work in Minsk.
I was 55 years old when I simply trusted the inner calling and immersed myself in the creative process. I work intuitively, trusting my inner sense of harmony. The creative process captivates me and fills me with peace and joy. My works are messages for those who contemplate eternity.
How did your artistic story begin?
Alla: I started painting after the tragic death of my son. It was then that I accidentally picked up a brush and it awakened the desire to express on canvas what I was feeling. My first paintings helped me to free myself from pain, to feel the taste of life again, to accept what had happened. Since then, creativity has become a part of my life and has filled it with many new colors and shades.
I like to try different techniques, experiment, create three-dimensional paintings, use texture paste, gold leaf, gold and silver paints. I intuitively feel what I want to “talk” about and it is during work that the meanings of what is happening are revealed to me and everything falls into place.
How do you think art can be defined?
Alla: For me, it is a way of speaking, a process that captivates, fascinates and fills me.
How would you describe your style and what are your favorite themes?
Alla: My style is best described as intuitive abstraction, a combination of random lines, shades, textures. When I start a new work, I never know what the end result will be. An emotion or thought that captures me becomes a signal to start working. I throw onto the canvas what is only just forming into a visual image, and then slowly and calmly, enjoying the process, I bring the composition to completion and reveal its meaning.
My abstract landscapes hide worlds that can be discovered and explored, stars and galaxies attract the eye and help to think about the eternal, female images combine the material and spiritual laws of existence.
Where do you find inspiration?
Alla: Nature, solitude, good books, music. I love evening walks: watching sunsets and gazing at the starry night sky. I am interested in learning the spiritual laws of the world order, I am interested in people and much more. Perhaps all this is a source of inspiration for me.
Do you resonate with a certain artist from art history?
Alla: I don't associate myself with any particular artist. But when I read biographies of artists, listen to interviews or look at works of art, I feel their experiences, emotions and understand that despite the times, geography and level of skill, we are united by an irrepressible desire to create. And at such moments, I associate myself with all the artists of the world.
What are the most important moments in your artistic career?
Alla: The first two years I painted for myself. When there were a lot of paintings, I decided to exhibit them in an online gallery. Selling my first painting gave me confidence.
Since 2021 I have been actively participating in exhibitions: Minsk, Moscow, St. Petersburg, Budapest, Parma, Ankara, and Beijing are among the cities where my works have been exhibited. I have also received several awards for my participation in exhibitions and art competitions.
I am a member of the Professional Union of Artists of Russia, the Italian Independent Art Association EOS Laboratorio delle Arti, and the Eurasian Art Union. My works can be found in private collections in Belarus, Russia, Europe, and the USA.
Where do you think your art will lead you next?
Alla: I usually don't look far into the future. I just take small steps in the right direction every day and enter the doors that open for me.
On August 20, 2025, my personal exhibition "Source from the Void" will open in Minsk at the Republican Theater of Belarusian Drama. This will be a story of 35 paintings with original texts.
This year, I created my first NFT collection and have already minted it on the OpenSea platform. The collection is based on 65 abstractions created with watercolors on paper, each one is unique and will remain in a single copy. I plan to launch a small advertising campaign to promote it in the near future.
I also want to have time to create two works this year to participate in OpenCols for exhibitions in which I plan to take part - I already know what I will "talk" about.
There are a couple more creative ideas that I would like to implement before the end of the year, but this will happen as time allows.
What is next in your artistic practice?
Alla: We have been living outside the city for the second year now – and I like this more relaxed pace of life. At the same time, I am constantly learning something, experimenting, setting myself new tasks. I want to find a balance between calmness and the desire to move forward.
I will continue to create at a pace that is comfortable for me. I will create a new NFT collection without haste and fuss. I will live and enjoy every moment of life. And so it shall be.
Thank you very much, Alla! We invite you all to join us starting Monday, to discover each work displayed in her Solo Exhibition "State of the Soul".
An interview by Cosmina-Marcela Oltean,
PPG media moderator & art writer
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