We caught up with the brilliant and insightful ILIRJANA ‘LALA’ SEHU a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

ILIRJANA ‘LALA’, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

As a child growing up in Southeast Europe, I was always surrounded by art and creativity. However, it wasn’t until my young adult years, when I had the opportunity to reside in the heart of artistic Paris, Montmartre, that my passion for art truly crystallized. Living amidst its vibrant atmosphere and benefiting from unique opportunities for mentorship, I discovered my artistic spirit awakened and realized that art was not only my passion but also it became my North Star, my best friend, and my savior in times of pain and confusion.

ILIRJANA ‘LALA’, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My name is Ilirjana ‘Lala’ Sehu, and I am an Albanian contemporary artist from Kosovo. I spent a significant portion of my formative years in Kosovo, Croatia, and France. Currently, I live between New York City and Los Angeles.

Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of showcasing my art in various exhibitions and galleries across Europe, Asia, and the United States. From solo and group exhibitions in galleries, private mansions, to group shows at prestigious art fairs my work has resonated with audiences worldwide.

My art is a reflection of my life’s experiences, characterized by themes of abstract expressionism and magical surrealism. Inspired by earlier artists like Jackson Pollock and Willem De Kooning, my work captures moments of imperfect turmoil and distorted memory. Each piece I create is imbued with the emotions and experiences of a life lived to the fullest.

My artistic journey has been profoundly shaped by various influences, from the vibrant cultures of Southeast Europe to the rich artistic traditions of Paris. The year-round sunshine of Los Angeles and the magnetic allure of Manhattan in New York City have also played pivotal roles in shaping my creative perspective. I draw inspiration not only from the world around me but also from the pioneering works of artists who have paved the way for contemporary expression.

My artistic focus centers on exploring themes of love, grief, and resilience. I am deeply interested in the complexities of human emotion and memory, and my work serves as a cathartic journey through these universal experiences.

As an artist, my mission is to honor memories, evoke emotions, and inspire others to find beauty in the contrasts of life. Whether through my paintings or my role as Regional Director/Ambassador for the North East Region at the International Association of Art (IAA-USA), UNESCO official partner, I strive to make a meaningful impact in the art world and beyond.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

One story that truly encapsulates my resilience is the period following the wars in Croatia and Kosovo in the 90s, coupled with the devastating loss of my beloved husband to cancer. These experiences plunged me into a relentless cycle of love, pain, and grief, which made it incredibly challenging to assemble the motivation and inspiration to paint for over a decade, unsure whether I was walking towards something or just walking away.

However, amidst the darkness, a flicker of hope emerged. Supported by the unwavering love of my daughter, Hana Noka and immersed in the vibrant atmosphere of cosmopolitan life in Los Angeles and New York City, I began to rediscover my passion for painting. It was a gradual process, marked by moments of doubt and despair, but I refused to allow adversity to define me.

Instead, I turned to the healing power of art. Each brushstroke became a testament to resilience, a defiance against the trials that sought to break me. Through my art, I found solace—a refuge where I could transcend the pain and express the depths of my emotions.

Today, my art serves as a testament to the human spirit’s capacity to endure and thrive in the face of sorrow. Like a cocktail party for your walls, each piece captures a time, a place, an emotion.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the profound connection I’m able to forge with others through my work. Art possesses a remarkable ability to transcend linguistic and cultural boundaries, touching the hearts and souls of individuals from all walks of life. Whether it’s evoking a sense of nostalgia, or empowering inspiration, knowing that my art has made a meaningful impact on someone else’s life is incredibly fulfilling. Moreover, the act of channeling my own experiences and emotions into my creations not only allows me to find catharsis and meaning in life’s darkest moments but also brings me absolute joy and satisfaction in the process of creation itself. Art has a unique power to help us navigate through difficult times and express emotions that may be difficult to articulate otherwise.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.artworkbylala.com
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilirjanasehu/

Image Credit:

SAM MOGHADDAM