Colombian, Dutch
First Language(s): Spanish
Second Language(s):
English
Christian Lesmes is an artist, writer, and researcher based in Rotterdam. He worked for over a decade as the art assistant to the Colombian conceptual artist Antonio Caro. In recent years, he has been involved in various collaborative art projects, community-driven initiatives, and research projects. He has also written short fiction for the Rotterdam-based magazine Sarmad.
What was your favorite book as a child?
The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger and Opio en las Nubes by Rafael Chaparro Madiedo.
Do you remember the original reason or motivation why you started writing creatively?
I started writing because I was in love, and my life in Colombia felt challenging. At the same time, I was closely engaged with the texts in Antonio Caro's work. Writing became my voice, a way to express my experiences. I wrote in the hope of being loved; I wrote a love story.
What was the most adventurous or thrilling thing you ever did/experienced?
The exile.
Do you listen to music while reading or writing?
Yes, I listen to music. It helps me focus. Music is a sound barrier to living in a city, alleviating the surrounding complexities. I tend to listen to instrumental music without lyrics, as it doesn’t put words in my head. The music's sounds help me maintain my writing rhythm, just like how music supports dancing.
Flash Fiction
Dazed
Issue Spring '25
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