Interview
Olga McNamara
Olga is passionate and a dedicated abstract expressionism artist with a strong ability to convey emotions and ideas through vibrant and dynamic artwork. She is proficient in various mediums, including acrylics, oils, and mixed media. She is highly skilled in creating visually captivating pieces that evoke a sense of depth and movement. Olga uses bold brushstrokes to encapsulate the intensity of emotions. She studied at MihoArt Gallery, Limassol, Cyprus. Her recent exhibitions include: My Friends by MihoArt Gallery (2021); solo exhibition, UPWORD Gallery, United States (2023); and Art Source Dublin, The Royal Dublin Society RDS, Dublin, Ireland (2023); among others. She has created commissioned artwork for private collectors, interior designers, and businesses. Her recent publications include: interview for “Upward’s Quaterly”, USA, Spring 2023 and an article about her solo exhibition for “Upward’s Quaterly”, USA, Summer 2023. Her professional affiliations with the Association of Mediterranean Artists (AMA) and Visual Artists Ireland (VAI) stand as a testament to her unwavering dedication to her craft. Showcased in several solo and group art exhibitions in Cyprus, her unique paintings encapsulate her distinct artistic voice.
She is a participant of Art Source Dublin, Royal Dublin Society, RDS, prestigious annual exhibition. Several of Olga’s works have been honoured with prestigious awards in international juried painting exhibitions, including First Place Winner, artist of The Month January 2023, international juried Art Exhibition Camelback Gallery, USA, Arizona 2023; Silver Award, Abstracts with Red, international juried Art Exhibition Camelback Gallery, USA, Arizona 2023; Second place Winner - Dreams, Juried Competition, UPWARD Gallery, USA Artist of the Month Award (Upward Gallery, 2023, International Juried Arts Awards Best in Medium 2023 Merit Award by Camelback Gallery, 2023 Third Place Winner, Artist of the Summer 2023, Abstract Art Competition, UPWARD Gallery, USA Artist of the Month - August, International Juried Art Exhibition, Camelback Gallery, 2023 Selected for Artists on the Rise - Auction Sale of Contemporary Investment Art, Chalkwell Auction, Southend-on-Sea, Essex, United Kingdom Bronze Award - Artist Invitational VII, International Juried Art Exhibition, Camelback Gallery, Arizona, USA Bronze Award - Flower Power, International Juried Art Exhibition, Camelback Gallery, Arizona, USA Artist of the Month October - International Juried Art Exhibition, Camelback Gallery, 2023 Finalist Award, All Abstracts 2023 International Juried Art Exhibition, Camelback Gallery, 2023. Olga’s Art is certified by Akoun, the world leader in art market information since 1985, so her art has an Official Artist Price established by a certified Art Appraisal Expert. Now her clients are able to buy her works with more confidence and trust. There is a Publication of the artist value on AKOUN's contemporary artists values reference book.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“I was born and raised in sunlit Uzbekistan, a fascinating country rich with cultural vibrancy and a bright, passionate soul. My artistic journey commenced at a young age, inspired by the natural world and its endless array of colours and forms. Growing up, I was continuously enraptured by my environment; its splendid beauty seemed to echo within my very being, demanding to be expressed on canvas. To me, the beauty seen and felt needs to be splashed out onto a canvas – otherwise, it begins to overwhelm me. My passion for painting seeped into all aspects of my life. All of my university lecture notes were filled with sketches, candid illustrations of our shared student life – to the point where they had all been taken as souvenirs by my university friends. This unquenchable desire to chronicle my surroundings and experiences laid the foundation of my artistic evolution. Years later, fate brought me to Cyprus. Under the tutelage of the brilliant artist Miho Ebanoidze, my artistic voice began to find its distinct rhythm. Working on plein air, I reveled in the act of capturing the vibrant energy of life under the Mediterranean sun, exploring the intricate interplay of light and shadow, and finding beauty in everyday scenes.
Over several years, I have come a long way: my first group and solo exhibitions, my first personal online store, my first local and global sales. Each new milestone was an exhilarating blend of trepidation and anticipation. It was a time of self-discovery and introspection as I explored various styles, weathered creative setbacks, and celebrated fortunate artistic revelations. It was during this period that I truly understood the central role art has played in my life – it is my essence, my passion, my language, and the pathway to my personal and professional growth. Upon moving to Ireland, my artistic expression underwent a significant evolution. Drawn by the ethereal beauty of the emerald Irish landscapes, I began to unravel the enigmatic language of abstract expressionism. The transition was as much an emotional journey as it was an artistic one. Each canvas I approach in this new style is an intimate conversation, a dialogue without words, invoking not just a visual appeal but an emotional response. It is an opportunity to explore a new facet of this world and myself, a journey I look forward to every day. It is an ongoing process of discovery, a manifestation of love, joy, and a celebration of the human spirit. Today, as I continue to evolve and grow, art remains my compass, guiding me through life's complexities and joys.”
What inspires you?
“All my paintings has my heart. They are a blend of memories, emotions, and my deep love for both nature's florals and the freedom of abstract expression. I've poured myself into these works, and I genuinely hope they resonate with those who see them, as they do with me.”
What themes do you pursue? Is there an underlying message in your work?
“When I look at my previous works, it is akin to revisiting a diary. Each piece I create becomes a snapshot, preserving the nuances of my feelings and thoughts, be they a spectral glimmer of hope, lingering sadness, an elusive question, “what if,” or a burst of pure joy. I find that the core emotion threading these visual narratives is invariably hope, which takes on different forms and hues, sometimes appearing as a ghostly wisp, at other times blooming in radiant and assertive colours. What is truly important to me about these visual experiences is their capacity not only to archive my emotional journey but also to ignite a connection with the viewer. I create art not as a monologue but as an invitation to a dialogue. My paintings are like open-ended questions, and I value the unique interpretations and responses they elicit. It is my hope that each viewer, while engaging with my art, will embark on their own journey of introspection, perhaps recognizing a reflection of their own emotions, experiences, and questions within the shapes, colours, and textures. This exchange of emotional energy is not only therapeutic but also serves to remind us of our shared human experiences.”
“Each piece I create becomes a snapshot, preserving the nuances of my feelings and thoughts, be they a spectral glimmer of hope, lingering sadness, an elusive question, “what if,” or a burst of pure joy.”
How would you describe your work?
“How would I describe my artworks to someone who has never seen it? My art blends floral abstract expressionism with dynamic energy. Characterized by vibrant, bold colors, each piece captures intense emotion through bold brushstrokes. Beyond just representation, I invite viewers to engage personally and interpret the passion woven into every canvas. My art intertwines floral elements with the spontaneity of abstract expressionism. By blending bold colors and intricate brushwork, I offer a fresh perspective that captures both the beauty of nature and the freedom of abstraction. It's a reflection of my personal journey and connection with the world around me.”
Which artists influence you most?
“My artistic journey has been shaped by the influences of various artists and movements that have resonated with me at different stages. During my period of painting landscapes and taverns, the freshness and vibrancy of French Impressionism was my guiding light. The masters of this movement, with their unique ability to evoke the rustling of leaves in the wind and the fragrance of fields, inspired me to imbue my own art with a similar sensory richness. As my style evolved, however, so did my sources of inspiration. My recent turn towards abstract expressionism has been deeply influenced by the works of Jackson Pollock, Mark Rothko, and Joan Mitchell. I am enchanted by the mesmerizing interplay of form, colour, and emotion in their art. The magic they weave on canvas, liberating expression from the constraints of form, resonates with my current approach to painting.”
What is your creative process like?
“Creating art for me is a transcendental experience. When I stand before a canvas, palette in hand, I feel both exultant and removed from everything else. In the past, my art emerged from the vibrancy and energy of Cyprus. Autumn through spring, I drove around the island with a palette and an easel, capturing everything from the sea and the mountains to villages, flowers, and cats. The plein air process is a deeply immersive one, steeped in direct observation and sensory experience, which allowed me to connect with my surroundings on a deeper level and weave my fleeting thoughts into brush strokes. My transition into abstract expressionism was as much pivotal as it was accidental. Over a year ago, I found myself yearning to paint on a day when the weather conspired against me, the skies were grey, and a relentless rain drummed against my window. The day had cast a specific mood, and I was filled with dreamlike introspective thoughts. Instead of succumbing to the weather, I took up a canvas and began pouring my dreams and thoughts onto it, uninhibited by the need for physical references or apparent realities. As I navigated through this unfamiliar territory, I experienced a thrilling mix of apprehension and exhilaration. There were moments of uncertainty where my brushes hesitated, but there were also moments of discovery that came as unexpected treasures. With each painting, I found myself inching closer to an artistic language that felt intensely personal, one that resonated with my essence. Through this process, I have come to realize that abstract expressionism is not merely a style but a language that allows me to articulate my most profound thoughts and emotions, making it an integral part of my artistic identity and growth.”
What is an artist’s role in society and how do you see that evolving?
“To tell you the truth, I don’t see any role in society. I can’t stop wars or hunger or infant mortality. I just want to talk to individuals about beauty surrounding us, hope and faith in love.”
Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?
“I used to participate in a large number of exhibitions. The biggest events for me were two my personal exhibitions, 2018 and 2019 years, after lockdowns there were not many. The last unforgettable experience was Art Source Dublin, The Royal Dublin Society RDS, Dublin, Ireland. I’m absolutely excited about it, I’ve met so many interesting artists, talked to people about art, sales were good.”
