Bionic pop artist and cultural provocateur Viktoria Modesta has turned her prosthetic leg into a powerful symbol of self-expression and inspiration.
After enduring countless surgeries in her youth due to a congenital leg condition, Viktoria chose to have her leg amputated as a teenager, a decision that transformed her life.
So, it's no surprise that when e.l.f. Beauty created the film series Show Your(s)e.l.f. to shine a spotlight on inspirational role models who have overcome adversity to bring more positivity, inclusivity, and accessibility into the world, Viktoria was at the top of the list.
"What I love about this episode is how it so beautifully captures who I am — I'm an artist, a designer; I create music and fashion, and I like to travel," Viktoria told Distractify. "It’s about showing others how you can step into a situation that you are not expected to be in and conquer it."
Viktoria also shared some fun facts about herself, including her most-used emoji, go-to karaoke song, and her dream collabs.
If you had to get a tattoo right now, what would it be?
VM: Ornamental dots and circles on my hand
What is your go-to makeup product?
VM: I start with e.l.f.’s Power Grip Primer and then I love e.l.f's Instant Lift Brow Pencil in Dark Brown, H2O Proof Eyeliner Pen in Black, and Camo CC Cream. I apply Power Grip Dewy Setting Spray as the final step.
What’s your most-used emoji?
VM: 👽, 🦾, 🫶
What’s your favorite TV show?
VM: I just finished 10 seasons of The Blacklist — it was the best.
Tell us about the first concert you ever attended.
VM: Prodigy at the Brixton Academy in London. I left soaking wet from jumping, it was electric.
What’s your go-to karaoke song?
VM: "Don't Speak" by No Doubt
If you weren't an artist, what would your dream job be?
VM: I make it my point to achieve all my dreams, so let's say I'm working on it haha
What's the weirdest or funniest rumor you've heard about yourself?
VM: That I am part of Illuminati! There is a video out there about it
Who would you love to collaborate with next?
VM: Space, Earth, and metaverse is my jam. SpaceX, Epic Games, Pangaia
What’s your favorite color?
VM: Black and white all the way
What projects are you excited to work on next?
VM: I’m working on the next generation of prosthetics, developing more artwork for exhibitions, and planning to go back to study!
What’s your No. 1 distraction?
VM: My three Pomeranians
Viktoria continues to shed a spotlight on the conversation of ability, disability, and futurism with her body-engineering journey.
As fan wrote on her Instagram, "She’s shaping the future and we’re in good hands."