Alona Petliarska

I am a Ukrainian artist currently living and working in the Orkney Islands, Scotland. My creative path is defined by a deep commitment to the craft of painting as a means of navigation—both through the physical world and the internal landscapes we inhabit. After relocating to the north of Scotland, the unique atmosphere and isolation of the islands have become integral to my artistic identity, providing a quiet space to develop a visual language that is both classical in its discipline and contemporary in its execution.
My practice is rooted in "Atmospheric Figuratism." I am fascinated by the threshold where the human form meets emotion—capturing moments that feel suspended in time. By combining my foundational training with a modern sensitivity to light and color, I strive to create works that act as a quiet dialogue between the artist and the observer. For me, art is not just a profession; it is a vital act of rebuilding, a way to translate personal history into a universal language of strength and presence.

MA in Choreography
Academy of Management of Culture and Arts, Kyiv, Ukraine

NC in Art and Design
UHI (University of the Highlands and Islands), Orkney, Scotland

2026 - 127th SSA Annual Exhibition | Society of Scottish Artists | Royal Scottish Academy (RSA), Edinburgh (30x30 stand)

2025 - Transition | Ship of Fools Gallery | Kirkwall, Orkney

2025 - Milestones: A Journey in Colour | The Pier Arts Centre | Stromness, Orkney

2024 | Christmas Open Exhibition | Pier Arts Centre | Stromness, Orkney