All images copyright Michelle Margaux. All rights reserved. 

About

Michelle Margaux, an artist born in Chicago, USA, has garnered global recognition through her extensive international teaching, exhibition, and publication engagements. Her artistic prowess has significantly influenced the music industry, with her work prominently featured on various music merchandise, including tour apparel, album covers, and records.

Margaux's journey in the realm of photography began with her comprehensive study of Professional Photography at Columbia College Chicago, where her exceptional talent was recognized with a prestigious 1st Place Photography Award adjudicated by the esteemed Victor Skrebneski Studio. Her artistic focus has predominantly revolved around commercial and editorial endeavors within the dynamic spheres of music and fashion industries.

Driven by a profound passion for both art and education, Margaux delved into the field of Art Education, leveraging her expertise to craft an innovative photography curriculum for several educational institutions in the Chicago area.

With an unwavering commitment to enriching her understanding of art history, Margaux embarked on a transformative expedition across Europe, immersing herself in the vast artistic treasures of the continent. Settling in England, she pursued advanced studies in Fine & Decorative Arts at the esteemed Sotheby’s Institute of Art, specializing in the intricate nuances of Italian painters and the rich artistic heritage of the Baroque & Rococo era, with a particular emphasis on the artistic landscapes within England and France.

Driven by an unyielding quest for excellence, Margaux further honed her craft at the University for the Creative Arts in Farnham, Surrey, culminating in the achievement of an MFA in Photography. Her focus on large format photography further solidified her position as a visionary artist with an acute understanding of intricate visual narratives.

After an illustrious 15+ year career in commercial and editorial photography, Michelle Margaux has embarked on a new chapter, channeling her creative energies into the creation of deeply personal works. Currently based in the Chicago area once again, she continues to explore new frontiers in the realm of visual storytelling and artistic expression.

Notes on  Selected Projects

Michelle Margaux's series, World Decay, serves as a poignant exploration of the dilapidation and disintegration plaguing European structures entangled in complex familial inheritance disputes and failed regulatory permissions. This thought-provoking body of work delves deep into the intricate narratives of these crumbling edifices, offering a profound commentary on the transient nature of architectural legacies.

In another striking endeavor, Margaux spearheaded the compelling project, Listed and Lost, embarking on a six-month odyssey to meticulously document the gradual decay of a Grade I Listed building in England. Within this narrative, she skillfully portrays the poignant juxtaposition of historical richness succumbing to neglect, juxtaposed against the relentless pursuit of development. This compelling narrative has not only been exhibited to critical acclaim but also holds the potential to ignite crucial conversations about preservation and heritage in the face of modern urban development. The acclaimed series has been elegantly captured in a compelling book as well as showcased in multiple exhibitions.

Amidst her sojourn in London, Margaux actively contributed to the illustrious project, Girl Town, which artfully reimagines her previously captured imagery to celebrate the evolving cultural role of women in the 21st Century. Her evocative visual contributions stand as a testament to the transformative power of art in shaping contemporary societal narratives. Notably, her works have been prominently featured in the celebrated group exhibition, Girl Town, curated by the esteemed entities of Shutterhub and the Old Girls Club, currently captivating audiences as it tours various cultural hubs.

Her ongoing project, Thames at My Door, represents an ambitious undertaking that meticulously examines the sprawling tapestry of life along the iconic River Thames, shedding light on the discarded remnants that dot its shores. Margaux's intent with this profound project extends beyond mere documentation, as she collaborates with marine conservation efforts, intending to elevate awareness and prompt action for the preservation of this vital waterway and its diverse ecosystem. Envisaged as a testament to the power of art as an agent of environmental advocacy, the final rendition of this project is poised to make a profound impact on the discourse surrounding conservation and sustainable living.

Undoubtedly, with a rich tapestry of visionary projects already in her repertoire, Michelle Margaux's artistic trajectory continues to evolve, with future endeavors on the horizon poised to redefine the artistic landscape both in the UK and the USA.

For any information regarding Michelle Margaux's work, recent book and art project "Listed and Lost' or any other information please message MichelleMargauxPhoto@gmail.com:  

Michelle is a longstanding member of NAPP, PPA, ASMP & AOP.

Awards

1st place in Fashion Photography, Fashion Columbia 2002, judged by Victor Skrebneski Studio.

Exhibitions

Fashion Columbia, Chicago, USA, 2002

UCA MFA Graduate Show, Farnham, UK, 2015

Photomasters, London, UK, 2015

Temporary Home, London, UK, 2015

Home-Photography Show, Ahmedabad, India, 2016

Girl Town, part of Photomonth, curated by Shutter Hub, & The Old Girls' Club, London, UK 2016

London Photo Festival, London, UK, 2017

Photography on a Postcard, charity event for The Hepatitis C Trust, London, UK,  October 2017

Borders, London, Bride Lane Fleet Street, 15th January to 16th April 2018

Girl Town, Tel Aviv, Israel, Alfred Gallery, 8th February to 9th March 2018