Women

Margarita Strorozhenko

Margarita Strorozhenko

Can inspiration strike suddenly and embody one’s inner world, principles, and vision of life? For Margarita (Margo) Storozhenko, it did. She didn’t confine herself to a modeling career—being a truly creative soul, she wove painting into her life. A first exhibition feels much like a first date: thrilling, nerve-wracking, and unforgettable.

L'Officiel UK: Margarita, you’ve built a successful career in modeling, yet two years ago, when the war in Ukraine began, you moved to London and turned toward art. How did you feel when you saw so many people attend the opening of your debut exhibition “Clouds” on May 8, 2024? And why was Berlin your first stage?
Margarita Strorozhenko: The war completely shifted my life and path. It wasn’t easy. My first step was studying at Central Saint Martins. Honestly, I had no idea where it would lead me—I was just fortunate to receive a reduced fee as a Ukrainian, and I took it as a chance I couldn’t miss. I needed something meaningful to do. On May 8th, when the exhibition opened, I didn’t realize that people in Berlin were so eager to visit such events (laughs). But of course, I was delighted—especially when visitors showed genuine curiosity and asked deeper questions, beyond just, “Wow, that looks cool.”

I know you’ve been painting for a while. Where did you learn, and which techniques do you prefer now?
My first steps go back to 2019 in Ukraine, when the pandemic began. Right after returning from a modeling contract in Athens, I found myself in lockdown. That’s when I started reading, experimenting, and buying all kinds of paints—acrylic, oil, even trying out epoxy resin—just to understand what suited me. Later, I took academic drawing lessons in Kyiv with professional artists. In London, of course, studying at UAL was a big step. Besides that, I had private lessons with several teachers. Today, I work only with oil.

You’ve said London’s skies became your inspiration. Can you describe the “character” of these clouds? How long did it take to create the works that were shown in Berlin?
The sky in London is unlike anything I’d seen before—absolutely unique. Maybe it’s because it’s an island, but the clouds here are extraordinary. I was fascinated and began studying them, then translating them into paintings. On average, one piece takes me about a month, sometimes longer.

Your “Clouds” series really encourages people to look upward, as if strength and comfort come from above. What other ideas shaped the exhibition? Have you ever imagined seeing an angel in those skies?
For me, the sky and clouds are pure emotion—each one different, each one alive. That’s why I gave them names. With my black-and-white works, I wanted to show how light coexists with darkness. You can’t simply ask the dark to disappear; you have to bring light. And we never appreciate light fully until we’ve experienced the dark alongside it. That’s true in art—and in life.

Your twin sister is known to support you in everything. She was present at the opening. Who else helped you organize your first solo exhibition?
Yes, my sister is always by my side, and she was with me in Berlin. I was lucky to have so much support. The collector who helped me plan the exhibition couldn’t attend in person, but he sent me an incredibly encouraging letter. A gallerist in Germany provided the space and helped with organization. And of course, my friends sent messages and congratulations that meant a lot to me.

1 / 6
2 / 6
3 / 6
4 / 6
5 / 6
6 / 6

When and where do you plan your next exhibition, and what will it be about?
I don’t have concrete plans yet. I prefer to let life guide me when the time feels right.