Olga Berezhnova

You mentioned that working in a theatre workshop influenced your approach to form and theatricality. Could you share how this experience continues to manifest in your paintings?

It influenced me greatly! This experience had a very significant impact on my artistic language. I often use decorative elements, fabrics, and lace in my paintings. Through fabrics, I aim to convey volume and intricate, complex patterns. The outfits of my characters sometimes seem to come from a “grotesque fairy tale” or a theatrical performance; they are often both distinctly “Russian” and highly stylish — as if taken from a magazine cover.

Your works are rich in symbolism — apples, hens, and red tones appear repeatedly. How did these motifs first emerge, and what do they mean to you personally?

To convey the true meaning and psychological intent, I often use these symbols. They were born from my childhood, from life in the village, where I spent a lot of time observing nature. Each painting carries its own mood, and through my symbols I metaphorically express the essence of the idea — sometimes it is something bright and kind, but sometimes it reveals the opposite, the shadow side. I show irony and many of the unpleasant traits that exist in human nature. 

Apples become a symbol of resilience and the ability to endure under any circumstances. Hens and roosters serve as metaphors for independence, attentiveness, leadership, and inner strength.

The female figure is central to your compositions. How do you see the relationship between women, strength, and vulnerability in your art?

I have an enormous life experience, and everything I have achieved, I’ve achieved on my own. I also know many women and girls who demonstrate their strength — not only physical but also inner strength — while still remaining feminine and taking care of themselves, which is truly inspiring. The connection lies exactly in that: the ability to combine everything within oneself.

There are women who raise children on their own and still remain gentle and graceful on the outside, yet possess immense strength inside. How can one not be proud of that and not be inspired by it? I am inspired by women — they are multifaceted, they can do anything!

You often combine humor and kindness with introspection. How do you achieve this emotional balance in your visual storytelling?

I have excellent intuition — I can feel what’s right and know how to do it without overdoing it. There are also psychological techniques that help maintain this balance. It all comes with experience.

The tactile and playful use of materials, like mirrors or relief elements, adds dimension to your work. How do you decide which materials to include?

Something draws and fascinates me, while other things don’t. I like working with complex materials, but I don’t like to overcomplicate things — I often think about how to simplify the technique and achieve an effortless execution that still looks intricate. I also want my paintings to feel alive through their volume, so that people not only look at them but also want to touch them.

With the mirrors, it’s more about creating an interactive object that engages directly with the viewer.

In today’s world, where art is often digital and fast, your work feels deeply handmade and personal. How important is this human touch for you?

Very important! The main thing is the energy present in each of my paintings — and mine is truly powerful! I’m a very emotional and lively person, and people often tell me they feel an incredible burst of energy from my works. I really do pour myself into each piece — that’s how much I love what I do and how deeply I immerse myself every time.

You’ve created over 350 works in recent years — an impressive number. How do you sustain creative energy and inspiration?

I’m 37 now, and I spent a long time searching for my calling — but I always found myself coming back to drawing. Then I realized: this is it, my dream work. Now I feel like I’m starving for it — I grab every opportunity, take on everything, and work a lot as if I’m making up for lost time. That’s what my body and mind are asking for, and I simply listen. When it’s time to slow down, I’ll know. But for now — full speed ahead!