Olana Light
Multidisciplinary artist based in Portsmouth, United Kingdom, working across sculpture, performance, film and public space.
Olana Light is a multidisciplinary artist based in Portsmouth, UK. Working across sculpture, performance, installation, photography and moving image, she has exhibited and presented her work nationally and internationally.
Light holds an MFA in Fine Art from Goldsmiths, University of London (2020) and a First Class BA (Hons) in Fine Art from Southampton Solent University (2017).
Her work has been presented in galleries, festivals and public spaces across the UK and internationally, including through the British Council in Spain, Arbola Festival in Pamplona and Sismògraf Festival in Olot.
In 2026, Light is presenting Between Land and Tide, an Arts Council England-supported public art project in Portsmouth. Her work will also be presented at Hay Festival in Segovia, Spain.
A 'we-world' where everyone belongs.
Light's practice moves between sculpture, performance, and moving images, focusing on the intricate relationship between humans and the natural world. Her ongoing exploration of belonging and discovering her place in the world leads her to recognise that we are an integral part of nature. Through her work, she explores how human existence is deeply intertwined with nature, examining how we both shape and are shaped by our environment. This idea of unity with the natural world is central to her work.
Audiences are invited to witness the human seamlessly merging with the natural world, creating a collective 'we-world' that transcends societal divisions and offers an inclusive space where everyone feels a sense of belonging. By freeing herself from societal norms, Light delves into the essence of humanity and our place in the universe.
Nature serves as an abundant source of inspiration, driving Light to envision a future where we harmonise with the natural world. Her live performances in public places aim to integrate art into everyday life, providing access for ordinary people and passers-by who may otherwise be unable to experience the arts.
Selected awards & commissions.
- Lisa Ullmann Travelling Scholarship Fund Award
- Arts Council England National Lottery Project Grant — Between Land and Tide
- Midsummer Festival Commission, Milton Keynes City Council
- Victoria Park Tunnel Artwork Commission, Portsmouth City Council
- ArtCabbage Prize 2024, 1st Place, Performing Art Section
- Bute Street Festival Thameslink Art Award — Winner
- Arts Council England Developing Your Creative Practice Award
- Every Breath We Take Art Competition — Winner, Open Category
- Found Cities, Lost Objects: Women in the City Billboard Commission — Winner (curated by Lubaina Himid)
- Arts&Heritage Digital Winter Commission, supported by English Heritage
- Arts Council England Project Grant — Fly Like a Butterfly
- StreetLife & Aesthetica Changing Rooms Commission — Winner
- SpudOPEN 2022 Judge's and Public Choice Award
- Little Forest 4th Plinth Open Competition — Winner
- The Spring Open Competition — Winner
- Arts Council England Project Grant — Search to Belong
- Zealous Stories: Sculpture — Winner
- 'a space' arts Lucky Dip Bursary — Winner
- Stamp Festival, Hamburg — Commissioned
- Sunny Art Prize — Winner
- Goldsmiths International Response Scholarship Award