Olga Derebyanko with her ‘Two Worlds’ photo art.A KILLARNEY-BASED Ukrainian photo artist has seen her works selected for the prestigious Photo London 2026 international fair.
‘Two Worlds’ and ‘Ether,’ by Olga Derevyanko, were captured at Poulgorm Beach, Barrow and form part of her ongoing project, ‘Healing Land’.
Photo London is the UK’s leading international fair for photography and image-based art. Each year it brings together the world’s most acclaimed photographers, galleries and curators alongside a new generation of emerging talent.
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Olga Derevyanko arrived in Killarney in September 2022 with her son after being displaced by the war in Ukraine. In Kerry she found not only a new home but a 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,” says 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.”
‘Ether’ by Olga Derebyanko, taken at Poulgorm, Barrow.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 reflects. “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 flourishing 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 14th at the National Hall, Olympia, London.
Following her participation in Photo London, Olga Derevyanko will present her work “Two Worlds” at the upcoming “The Wild Within” exhibition at Siamsa Tíre.
On June 6th, she will also participate in an artist talk as part of this New Wave Wild Project initiative. For more information, visit: www.olgaderevyanko.com
