Olga Bakhtina
Brisbane
Olga is a Russian-born, Brisbane-based artist whose practice focuses on oil painting and charcoal drawing. Her artistic journey began 16 years ago while living in the Sultanate of Oman, where she studied painting at a local art school during her four-year stay. Upon returning to Australia, she further honed her craft under the mentorship of Archibald Prize winner David Paulsen in Brisbane.
In October 2024, Olga graduated from the University of Queensland with a major in Art History, deepening her understanding of the artistic movements she passionately draws inspiration from.
Olga’s work is profoundly influenced by Post-Impressionism, Fauvism, and Modernism, finding in these movements a sense of serenity and creative spark for her own practice. Her love of Russian literature, human psychology, photography, and theatre further enriches her artistic perspective, adding layers of narrative and symbolism to her pieces. A deep appreciation for the Paris Period, spanning the late 19th to mid-20th century, serves as a cornerstone of Olga’s inspiration. She is particularly drawn to the work and lives of artists such as Matisse, Soutine, Modigliani, Derain, Vlaminck, and Chagall, whose profound creativity and intriguing life stories are vividly reflected in their art.
Since her first solo exhibition in Oman in 2012, Olga has participated in numerous group exhibitions across Australia. She has also been recognized in several national art awards, including winning the COSSAG Award in 2016 and 2018 and receiving accolades at the Royal Queensland Art Society’s “Naked Truth” and “Modernism” exhibitions in 2021.
Through her evocative paintings and contributions to the art community, Olga Bakhtina continues to bridge the timeless beauty of Modernist influences with contemporary themes. Her passion for the stories behind the art and her exploration of human experience make her work a deeply reflective and inspiring journey for viewers.