The first half of my stay abroad has been both enriching and formative, offering a valuable balance between hands-on professional experience along with a very interesting cultural exchange. Overall, the experience has met my expectations this far. Especially in terms of my own artistic development, and professional confidence, as well as international networking.
My experience this far is that my time has been divided quite well into both working solo on my own projects and development, and also working together with my host, Ana. A large part of my time has been spent collaborating closely with Ana in her studio. This has given me insight into her artistic process, daily working rhythms, and the practical realities of maintaining an active art practice. This has provided a continuous knowledge exchange including informal mentoring, and open dialogue around artistic decisions, materials, and concepts. I have also been able to contribute my own skill set, particularly in areas such as Adobe software, graphic design, and the creation of marketing and communication assets for conferences and professional contexts Ana is involved in. I believe this has been a positive mutual exchange for the both of us.
Alongside the studio work, I have actively engaged with Lisbon’s cultural scene by attending gallery openings, exhibitions, and cultural events, both together with Ana and independently. Experiencing these spaces has helped me better understand the local art ecosystem, how artists present their work, and how audiences engage with different forms of art in Lisbon. Visiting museums and cultural institutions has also been an important source of inspiration, influencing my own artistic thinking and providing broader contextual references for our discussions in the studio.
One of the most meaningful developments so far has been the planning of small exhibitions in local galleries and cultural spaces. This process has offered practical experience in curatorial thinking, communication with cultural actors, and understanding the logistical and conceptual steps behind exhibiting work. It has been both exciting and challenging, particularly when navigating language barriers, different working cultures, and limited timelines. These challenges, however, have been valuable learning experiences and have strengthened my adaptability and problem-solving skills.
In terms of challenges, adjusting to a new professional and cultural environment took some initial time, especially when balancing independent initiative with collaboration. However, as the exchange has progressed, the communication between Ana and I has become more fluid and expectations clearer. I feel that the objectives of the EYE program (professional development, international exchange, and mutual learning) are being met well this far, and am excited for the months to come.
For the remainder of the exchange, I mainly hope to continue working with exhibiting my work and building relationships within the local art scene. An important part of this for me is learning how these experiences can be carried forward and adapted once I return to Sweden, especially in relation to exhibitions and professional networks. At the same time, I am focusing on positioning myself more clearly as a freelance artist. During the first half of the exchange, I have managed to sell artwork through several online platforms, which has been both encouraging and motivating. Moving forward, I want to keep combining hands-on exhibition experience with more long-term thinking around sustaining a freelance practice, while continuing the collaborative work that is central to the exchange.
Overall, the first half of my stay has provided valuable insights into working as an artist in an international context, expanded my professional network, and reinforced the importance of flexibility, initiative, and collaboration. I feel motivated and confident moving into the second half of the exchange and look forward to building on the experiences and foundations established so far.