Two works, ‘Two Worlds’ and ‘Ether,’ by Ukrainian photo artist Olga Derevyanko, have been selected for the prestigious Photo London 2026 international fair. Both pieces were captured at Poulgorm Beach in Kerry and form part of her profound ongoing project, Healing Land.
Olga Derevyanko arrived in Killarney in September 2022 with her son after being displaced by the war in Ukraine. In the beauty of the Kingdom, she said that she found not only a new home but also source of inspiration and healing.
“I am deeply in love with the nature of Kerry: the vast beaches where water, earth, and air merge; the lush green-brown blankets covering the mountains; and the lakes that act as giant mirrors for the clouds,” said Olga.
“Like me, many women displaced by war find a way to process trauma and heal through this landscape. Each woman’s story is unique, yet they are united by a shared paradox—they are simultaneously vulnerable and incredibly resilient,” she added.
Her current project, ‘Healing Land. Voices’, explores how women navigate displacement and recovery through their interaction with the natural environment. Olga is currently developing this body of work into both a book and an exhibition.
“Nature teaches us acceptance,” Olga reflected. “It shows us that the world is imperfect and unpredictable, but even within that ‘glorious uncertainty,’ there is profound beauty.”
Photo London is the latest milestone in Olga’s career, following exhibitions in Paris, Glasgow, Belfast, Galway and Tralee. Her works are held in private collections worldwide. A dedicated student of her craft, she has trained at the Mykolaiv School of Photography (Ukraine), the International School of Photography (USA) and Form. Photography curatorial programme (France).
Locally, Olga is a well-known face in the community, frequently capturing moments for the Killarney Parkrun and volunteering for local development company NEWKD. Olga’s work will be on display starting May 14 at the National Hall, Olympia, London.
Following your participation in Photo London, Olga Derevyanko will present her work ‘Two Worlds’ at the upcoming ‘The Wild Within’ exhibition at Siamsa Tíre.
On June 6, she will also participate in an artist talk as part of this New Wave Wild Project initiative. For more information, visit: www.olgaderevyanko.com