What is democracy for you?
In my opinion, democracy is the freedom to be oneself: to grow, to explore, and to understand both oneself and the world without imposed patterns, prejudices, or limitations.

What would a city or a society be without art?
For me, art is one of the few things that allows us to step beyond the familiar, material world and to look at reality from a distance. Without art, a society would likely become more primitive and far less sensitive, losing its capacity for reflection, imagination, and emotional depth.

Art builds community by enabling imagination, empathy, and new perspectives. Do you see yourself in this context?
I feel I have done something right when I see my work evoke emotions, memories, and subtle, hard-to-define feelings in others. I do not see myself as someone who has the power to influence society or shape opinions; first and foremost, I try to tell my own story. Yet I believe that this shared emotional experience can quietly create a sense of connection between people. However how it resonates with others, or whether it influences anything at all, is beyond my control.

A healthy nature and cyclical thinking are fundamental for human well-being and democracy. How does your art reflect this?

We are merely particles of the universe, unique and free, yet we do not own this world. I deeply believe that we are only guests here. In my artistic practice, I explore this sense of belonging without possession. My works often engage with themes of interconnectedness between humans, nature, and time, emphasizing fragility, care, and responsibility rather than dominance.

Do you think artists and poets can help people imagine alternative worlds?
Yes, I believe that artists are often highly sensitive and perceptive individuals with a unique ability to see the world from multiple perspectives and to imagine without fear. Through art, they can translate the complexity and multiplicity of our world into forms that are simple and accessible to others. I believe there is much we can learn from this way of seeing.

About the artist:
Alexandra Ravska (b. 1995 Odesa, Ukraine) Lives and workes in Södertälje. Educated at Odesa Academy of Building and Architecture 2012 – 2016. Bachelor degree in Fine Arts. Exhibited at KIN-Museum of Contemporary Art, Mirror institution and Södertälje konsthall.