Olena Kosenko

Olena Kosenko's artistic journey is a blend of multicultural influences and diverse creative experiences. Born in eastern Ukraine in 1977, she began her artistic path with formal education at the Kharkiv State Academy of Design and Art, where she won first place in the Art Student Diploma Competition. This early recognition set the stage for her career as she advanced to earn a Master’s degree in fine arts. She also ventured into the business world, running a successful interior design company that highlighted her skill in interior aesthetics.

In 2004, Olena relocated to Australia, where she dedicated herself to her artistic pursuits full-time. Her move led to numerous awards and recognition in the art world, highlighting her versatility and unique artistic voice. Now based in Spain, she continues to develop her art in her home studio, working with various drawing and painting media. Her distinct styles span from surrealism and neo-industrial motifs to realistic interpretations, often characterized by vivid colors and a full spectrum of tones.

Olena draws heavily from real-life experiences, adapting natural landscapes and locally inspired motifs into her work with a European sensibility. Her creative process is methodical and architectural in nature—she visualizes and mentally constructs each piece before committing it to canvas, allowing her to meticulously select materials, colors, and details. This thoughtful approach underlines her belief that each piece should be fully conceptualized before being brought to life, reflecting her background in design and her ability to blend structure with creativity.

"Life is seeing yourself over and over again…in my case, through art."

This statement captures the essence of Olena Kosenko's artistic philosophy. For her, art is not just a form of expression but a mirror reflecting different facets of her own life and experiences. By repeatedly seeing herself through her art, Olena embarks on a continuous journey of self-discovery and reinvention. Each piece she creates is a new perspective on herself, seen through the lens of her surroundings, influences, and imagination. Her art becomes a cycle of introspection, with each work deepening her understanding of who she is and how she views the world.

Selected Awards and Exhibitions

2025

Parallax Art Fair, London, United Kingdom

2024

IV edición del concurso de pintura Elisa Betancort Delgado, Lanzarote

2023

‘Beyond the border’, Solo Exhibition, Camel House, Lanzarote

2020

Parallax Art Fair, London, United Kingdom

2019

Parallax Art Fair, London, United Kingdom

2018

Parallax Art Fair, London, United Kingdom

2016

La Vinoteca de Charco, Solo Exhibition, Lanzarote, Spain                                        

2015

Harrogate Art Fair, York, UK

2014

Kurnell Art gallery, Group Show, Sydney, Australia

Headland Gallery, Solo exhibition, Mosman, Sydney, Australia

2013

Blacktown Art Prize, Finalist, Sydney, Australia

Art Sydney Fair, Sydney, Australia

Art Melbourne Fair, Melbourne, Australia

Winner, Noel Chettle Memorial Art Award, Sydney, Australia

Royal Children Hospital Art Program Group Show, Sydney, Australia

Finalist, Mosman Art Prize, Sydney, Australia

Finalist, North Sydney Art Prize, Sydney, Australia

Downing Centre Display, Sydney, Australia

2012

“Crossroads of Style” group exhibition, Chatswood, Sydney, Australia

First Prize, Lane Cove art Award, Sydney, Australia

First Prize, Royal Easter Show, Drawing Section, Sydney, Australia

Best in Show, Castle Hill Orange Blossom Festival, Sydney, Australia

Commended, 48th Drummoyne Art  Award, Drawing Section, Sydney, Australia

2011

Art Sydney, Sydney, Australia

2010

Art Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia

2009

Art Sydney09, Sydney, Australia

First Prize - Orange Blossom Festival (Pen & Wash Section) & First Prize (Drawing Section), Sydney, Australia

First Prize - Lane Cove Art Award (Scene Around Sydney Section) & First Prize - Ford Land Acquisition, Sydney, Australia

First Prize - Drummoyne Art Award (Drawing Section), Sydney, Australia

Art of Melbourne, Stand E15 "CPH Gallery", The Royal Exhibition Building,Carlton, Melbourne, Australia

2008

November - "Azure Gallery" Showcase, Sydney, Australia

Finalist - 46th Festival of Fishers Ghost Art Award, Campbelltown Arts Centre, Sydney, Australia

First Prize - Parramatta Open Art Award, Sydney, Australia

Finalist - Eutick Memorial Still Life Award (EMSLA), Sydney, Australia

First Prize (Still Life Section) - Commended (Works on Paper, Modern and Ryde City Council Sections) - 48th City of Ryde Art Award, Sydney, Australia

First Prize (Linear drawing without colour), Castle Hill & Hills District Art Awards, Sydney, Australia

Second Prize (Mixed Media Section) - Royal Canberra Show, Sydney, Australia

2007

Best in Show Award - Orange Blossom Festival, Sydney, Australia

Finalist - Willoughby Art Prize, Sydney, Australia

First Prize - DYMOCKS Drawing Art Competition, Sydney, Australia

First Prize (Oil / Acrylic section), MTAS Autumn Art Exhibition, Sydney, Australia

Community Prize - Walsh Bay Art Prize, One of a Kind Art Gallery, Sydney, Australia

2006

First Prize (Drawing Section) - 41st Hornsby Art Awards Exhibition, Sydney, Australia

Solo Exhibitions

2016 – La Vinoteca de Charco, Lanzarote, Spain

2014 – Curnell Art Gallery, Sydney, Australia

2013 “Fold, unfold and Fold Again” Solo Exhibition, Headland Art Gallery, Sydney, Australia

2012 Solo Exhibition, Art2Muse Gallery, Sydney, Australia

2012 Solo Exhibition, Downing Centre, Sydney, Australia

2010 "Graphic Dreams" - Headland Gallery, Mosman, Sydney, Australia

2009 "Life In Blue" - Azure Gallery, June 2008, Sydney, Australia

2008 "Putting a brave face" - Mars Hill, Parramatta, July 2007, Sydney, Australia

2007 "Window to the Soul" - Gallery Cafe, Surry Hills, Feb 2007, Sydney, Australia