About Ona
by Olga Ziemska
Title & Meaning
Materials & Design
Ona’s flowing hair is crafted from hundreds (even thousands) of sticks and tree branches, locally gathered by volunteers. This cascading arrangement extends up to 25 feet behind the figure, forming a dramatic and organic “hair” trail.
The figure itself is constructed from a blend of pebbles, native plants, soil, sculptural media, EPS foam, and mirrors (the mirrored eyes subtly reflect the surrounding environment).
Concept & Theme
Context Within the "Of the Earth" Exhibition
Exhibition Layout
Of the Earth features three site-specific sculptures—“Hear: With an Ear to the Ground,” “Strata,” and “Ona”—arranged along walking paths so that as you come upon one, the next appears in view. “Hear” greets you first, followed by “Strata,” and finally “Ona.”
Origins & Permanent Installation
Originally part of Ziemska’s Morton Arboretum exhibition in Chicago, these pieces were relocated to Ortenstone for a temporary period. The sculptures have been well-received and celebrated by the public.
Community Involvement
Local volunteers played a meaningful role—contributing over 550-700 hours toward gathering materials and assisting with installations and plantings. More than 150 people attended the opening reception on June 10, 2025.
Why It Matters
Ona is more than a sculpture—it’s an immersive expression of environmental art that invites reflection on our place within the natural world. Its form, materials, and concept invite viewers to see themselves as part of nature, not separate from it. The community’s active involvement adds depth and meaning, making Ona a collaborative, living artwork.
Photo Gallery
About the Artist
Olga Ziemska
Known for her poetic and large-scale site-specific sculptures, Ziemska brings a powerful voice to the global dialogue on art, ecology, and our connection to the natural world.
Ziemska’s work explores the relationship between humanity and nature, challenging viewers to reconsider their place within an interconnected system. Her sculptures dissolve the boundary between body and environment, drawing on themes of ecology, biophilia, panpsychism, materiality, and identity.
