We in Drogheda are lucky enough to have several of the country’s finest artists working amongst us and one of these, Olga Duka, is currently receiving great acclaim for her work.

A series of mixed media paintings created by Olga have been selected by the Rotunda Hospital to enhance the healing environment and symbolize the support and care provided by their Perinatal Mental Health and Social Work Department.  Three more paintings were purchased for the Staff Room of the hospital.

Recurring inspirations in Olga’s artworks are nature, Irish myths, legends and stories as well as the seasonal celebrations and rituals that mark the cycle of life and death.

She uses mixed media, such as acrylic, ink, watercolours, gouache, pencils and lace, to create expressive and colourful paintings which often associate women with trees in a forest.

“The similarities between women and trees have been part of the culture, mythology and religious beliefs of many different nations” Olga says. “Just like trees, women support and protect each other using their collective power and individual efforts.”

The artwork selected by the Rotunda Hospital serves as a visual representation of the strength, growth, and interconnectedness that are essential during the perinatal period.

“The paintings depict a grove of trees interconnected by their roots and branches. Each tree represents the individuals and families supported by the department” Olga said.

“The interconnected trees symbolize the network of support provided by the department, reinforcing the message of community and care. These works were commissioned by HSE under the Per Cent for Art scheme, a government initiative, first introduced in 1978, whereby 1% of the cost of any publicly funded capital, infrastructural and building development can be allocated to the commissioning of a work of art.

Never one to stand still, in September 2024 Olga took part in a Marble carving course in Pietrasanta, Italy where she created her first marble sculpture “Metamorphosis” which has been chosen for the 195th Royal Hibernian Academy of Arts annual exhibition, RHA, Dublin.