Get ready for an unforgettable art experience as Olga Nikitina, professional underwater painter and certified PADI diving instructor, brings her unique marine-inspired works to Art in the Country 2025 — one of South Africa’s most beloved annual art events. Taking place from May 22 to 25 at the stunning Harrington House in Hilton, this year’s fair promises a curated selection of South Africa’s top 64 artists, all showcased under the elegant stretch of Bedouin tents in the scenic Midlands of KwaZulu-Natal.
Known for her bold and expressive underwater paintings, Nikitina creates each piece while fully submerged in the ocean — painting in real time beneath the surface. This rare technique fuses artistic expression with the physical and emotional experience of diving, capturing the rhythm, light, and movement of the underwater world like no other medium can.
Her featured works often explore the vivid and dreamlike imagery of marine life, particularly her signature series featuring red fish. These paintings have earned international recognition for their color intensity, layered textures, and the sheer originality of their process.
At Art in the Country, visitors will have the chance to explore Nikitina’s most recent underwater creations up close — a rare opportunity to witness how art can literally be born from the depths of the sea.
Beyond the art, the fair also offers gourmet dining curated by renowned chef Jackie Cameron, live performances, and a vibrant, family-friendly atmosphere — making it one of the most enriching cultural experiences on the South African calendar.
Whether you’re a collector, enthusiast, or someone drawn to the unexpected beauty of art created under the ocean, Olga Nikitina’s work promises to inspire.
