Kostiantyn Tereshchenko “Civilization “I””

The graphic works on display were brought from Kherson in 2024. “Sacred Well” is from this series, purchased by an Estonian at the beginning of the war in 2022. This sale was a lifeline for Kostiantyn’s family, allowing them to leave occupied Kherson and escape the horrors of war. “We are deeply grateful to Estonia for its invaluable support during the most difficult times for Ukraine. That is why we consider it particularly symbolic to present these works in Tartu. This is not just an art exhibition, but a gesture of sincere gratitude to the country that lent a helping hand when it was needed most,” the curator explains.

“For me, drawing is a way of knowing the world and myself, as well as a goal or duty in social reality. The most important materials for me are pencil and paper, as they are the simplest materials, as close as possible to the origins of human artistic practice.

In the process of drawing, everything happens by itself, the main thing is not to interfere. In this way, I feel like a wire through which electricity flows. How, why and wherefore are of secondary importance to me. I am just a witness to the process and I like it. In other words, if information comes in, it must be recorded, if not, it will be bad. In my understanding, this is a mystical documentary,” explains the artist. 

Kostiantyn Tereshchenko (b. 1989) is an artist from Kherson, Ukraine. Kostiantyn Tereshchenko has been based in Tranås, Sweden since June 2022. He graduated from Kherson National Technical University with a specialisation in graphic design. He is a member of the Artists’ Union of Ukraine since 2021 and of Sweden since 2023. Tereshchenko has participated in over 40 exhibitions in Ukraine, Estonia, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, Austria and Italy. 

The curator of the exhibition is Viktoria Berezina.

The exhibition is supported by the Cultural Endowment of Estonia and the NGO Culture Horizon.