Art in the Country 2026: Showcasing the Spirit of the Sardine Run

From 28–31 May 2026, I had the privilege of participating in the prestigious Art in the Country 2026, held at the beautiful Harrington House in the heart of the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands. The exhibition brought together nearly 70 talented artists from across South Africa and has become one of the province's most significant annual art events. (harringtonhouse.co.za)

The setting at Harrington House, surrounded by rolling green hills and peaceful countryside, provided the perfect backdrop for a celebration of creativity. Visitors enjoyed four days of art, conversation, inspiration, and connection, making the event a true highlight of the South African art calendar.

OlgaNikitinArt

Presenting My New Sardine Run Collection

This year's exhibition was particularly special for me as I introduced a brand-new series of oil paintings inspired by the world-famous Sardine Run along South Africa's Wild Coast.

The Sardine Run is one of nature's most spectacular marine events. Every year, billions of sardines migrate along the coastline, attracting dolphins, sharks, whales, seabirds, and countless other predators in an extraordinary display of life and movement. Having spent many years diving and painting the ocean, I wanted to capture not only the visual beauty of this phenomenon but also its energy, rhythm, and emotion.

Through expressive brushwork, rich textures, and vibrant colours, the collection explores the dynamic underwater world that continues to inspire my artistic journey.

A Wonderful Response from Visitors

The exhibition exceeded all expectations. Throughout the four days, I had the opportunity to meet art collectors, fellow artists, marine enthusiasts, and many visitors who were discovering my work for the first time.

The feedback on the Sardine Run series was overwhelmingly positive. Many visitors were fascinated by the stories behind the paintings and the unique experiences that inspired them. Conversations about the ocean, conservation, diving, and creativity became some of the most memorable moments of the event.

I was delighted to sell several artworks during the exhibition, and it was incredibly rewarding to see collectors connect emotionally with pieces from the new collection.

More Than an Exhibition

For me, Art in the Country is much more than a sales event. It is a place where artists and art lovers come together to share ideas, build relationships, and celebrate creativity. The atmosphere throughout the weekend was warm, welcoming, and inspiring.

Events like these remind me why I became an artist—to tell stories, create connections, and share the beauty of the natural world through paint.

Looking Ahead

I am deeply grateful to the organisers, sponsors, fellow artists, collectors, and everyone who visited the exhibition and supported my work.

The success of Art in the Country 2026 has inspired me to continue developing my ocean-inspired collections and exploring new ways of sharing the incredible stories hidden beneath the surface of the sea.

If you would like to learn more about my Sardine Run paintings or view available works from the collection, please visit Olga Nikitin Art.

Thank you to everyone who made this exhibition such a memorable experience. I look forward to seeing you again at future exhibitions and sharing the next chapter of my artistic journey.