Interview
Olga Ozerskaya
Olga Ozerskaya (IVA) is an internationally recognized artist. Israeli-Russian artist began studying visual art at a young age. She attended art school at Tretyakov Gallery in Moscow, where she began entering and winning local art contests. Olga continued her formal art education at King Williams College in the United Kingdom. Her studies developed her appreciation and interest the style of her European art contemporaries. Olga graduated from the Moscow State University in 2009 with a dual degree in Art Business and Aesthetics from the Faculty of Philosophy and Social Science. While studying at Moscow State, Olga provided studio assistance to established Russian abstractionist Sergey Bruhanov. It was during this time that Olga participated in many collective student exhibitions, most notably Mars Gallery 2009. Olga founded the interior design studio Omdesign in 2008. To date, she has completed more than 20 projects across the global cities of Miami, London, Munich, Moscow and New York. Olga's professional experience in design inspired her to continue her formal education. Olga attended a mixed-media collage course at London's Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design in 2016. She was the first-place recipient for group's final exhibition, receiving praise for her unique 3D collage collection. Olga’s mixed-media approach pushes the boundaries of collage, encompassing a myriad of techniques, from that of digital art to printed illustration.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“My background is interior design. I used to own an interior design Buro in Moscow ‘Om design.’ I always did art since I was little as a hobby but once I went to Design Miami Show during Art Basel Miami for work and discovered for my self a whole new world of Contemporary Art which was just across the street from Design Miami. And since then, I refocused my career to becoming a full-time artist.”
What inspires you?
“My inspiration comes from nature. My first step in my creative process often begins outdoors in places described as energetic. I also often use natural materials like sand, shells, salt to infuse my art with the energy of the nature.”
What themes do you pursue? Is there an underlying message in your work?
“My artist statement is Ecology is my religion. I prefer my art to have a therapeutical effect on the viewer - to bring them in a state of calmness and relaxation. It's an art for soul.”
How would you describe your work?
“It might be characterized by a deep, emotive connection to colors, textures, and forms. I often explore abstract or semi-abstract representations with a focus on creating a sense of inner emotional landscapes. My artwork could be marked by vibrant contrasts, intricate layers, and a balance between chaos and harmony.”
Which artists influence you most?
“I'm deeply influenced by impressionist artists like Monet and Cezanne. As well as abstract expressionists such as Mark Rothko, Willem de Kooning and his wife. For contemporary artists, I’m in love with Tracey Emin, Strerling Ruby and Richter.”
What is your creative process like?
“I often start to work outdoors by the ocean, or at some other energetic place in nature. I first put layers on the canvas, using salt water and the sand of the ocean. Then, I move to work at the studio to finalize and work on the artwork more persistently.”
What is an artist’s role in society and how do you see that evolving?
“An artist’s role in society is multi-dimensional, stretching far beyond simply creating aesthetically pleasing works. Traditionally, artists have been seen as cultural commentators, storytellers, and visual philosophers who capture the human experience in ways that resonate emotionally and intellectually with others. Through their work, artists reflect on the social, political, and emotional landscapes of their time, sparking conversations, challenging norms, and encouraging change.”
Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?
“My recent exhibitions include: ‘Please Remove Your Ego’ group show Arthood56, in Miami (2024); Hamptons Fine Art Fair, in NYC (2024) and ‘Integral: Parts That Together Constitute A Whole’ group show at the Lichtundfire gallery, in NYC (2024), among others.”
