Olga Bakhtina

Poetic Narratives in Oil and Charcoal

Representing a distinctive voice in contemporary Australian art, Olga Bakhtina is a Brisbane-based artist known for her evocative oil and charcoal compositions that weave together classical inspiration and modern storytelling. Her work is marked by deep historical consciousness, delicate symbolism, and an unmistakable emotional resonance.

Born in Russia and artistically shaped across three continents, Olga’s creative journey began over 15 years ago at an art school in the Sultanate of Oman, where she lived with her family for four years. Upon returning to Australia, she studied under Archibald Prize winner David Paulson, further refining her technique and expression. In 2024, she completed her academic journey with a degree in Art History from the University of Queensland, deepening her engagement with Early Renaissance art, which remains a profound source of serenity and inspiration in her practice.

Olga is a multiple Australian award-winner, including the COSSAG Art Prize (2016, 2018), and accolades at the Royal Queensland Art Society for Naked Truth and Modernism (2021).

Her paintings are held in significant public and private collections, including:

The Archdiocese of Brisbane
Australi...

- History of Art, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- Brisbane Institute of Art

Since her first solo exhibition in Oman in 2012, Olga has exhibited regularly in Australia. Her most recent solo exhibitions include:

-Inner Garden, Secret Garden, Leda Gallery, Newcastle (2022)

-Serendipity in Blue, Tiny Tree Gallery, Brisbane (2022)
Good Samaritan and Other Biblical Stories, St John’s

- Anglican Cathedral, Brisbane CBD (2023)
Olive Branch, Cathedral of St Stephen, Brisbane CBD (2023)

-Sailing to Byzantium, St John’s Anglican Cathedral, Brisbane CBD (2024)

-Garden of Hope, St Luke’s Anglican Church, Toowoomba (2024)

- Affordable Art Fair Brisbane, Brisbane (2025)

- “Waiting for a Miracle” July-August 2025, St John’s Anglican Cathedral, Brisbane CBD.

- “Mercy”, July-August 2026, St John’s Anglican Cathedral, Brisbane CBD