Lana Repina: An Artist with a Familiar Name from Russian Art History (Ilya Repin)
- DariyaRepina
- Jun 9
- 4 min read
Updated: Jul 22
In this blog post, I will share a glimpse into Lana Repina’s artistic journey, including her exhibitions in Sweden and the Dominican Republic.
Lana Repina shares a surname with the famous Russian painter Ilya Repin- though there’s no known connection, I’ve always found the shared name interesting. Before diving into her work, I’d like to briefly introduce who Ilya Repin was and share a few of his paintings that I personally admire.
Who is Ilya Repin?
Ilya Repin (1844–1930) is one of Russia’s most celebrated painters and a key figure in Russian art history. Known for his powerful realism, Repin captured vivid scenes of Russian life, history, and culture with incredible detail and emotion. His works often tell stories of social change, human struggle, and everyday life, making him a beloved and influential artist. Some of his most famous paintings include Barge Haulers on the Volga and Reply of the Zaporozhian Cossacks. His masterpieces are displayed in major institutions, including the State Tretyakov Gallery in Moscow, which holds a vast collection of his work.
These are some of my favorite paintings by Repin. I like them for their mood, color, and feeling.
Works by Lana Repina
Before her journey took her across continents, my mother, Lana Repina, began her artistic path in Moscow. In the early 1980s, she studied at the University of Art, where she immersed herself in painting, drawing, and design.
After meeting my father and having me, her story expanded far beyond Russia. She embraced the vibrant culture of Peru and learned Spanish. I still remember her reading to me not only in Russian, but also in Spanish- I actually learned to read in Spanish first. During that time, she was always creating-designing and sewing clothes for me and my father, and occasionally still painting when she could. It wasn’t until we moved to Sweden that she began dedicating more time to her art.
Over time, her paintings gained recognition, and she began receiving commissions both in Sweden and abroad. She has exhibited her work in Stockholm and the Dominican Republic, which I’m excited to share in this post. Lana has preserved the classical techniques she learned in Moscow while adding her own unique touch. She mainly works with oil, gouache, acrylic, and ink.
Exhibitions in Stockholm, Sweden
Lana Repina, has exhibited her art several times at a gallery in Gamla Stan, the old town of Stockholm. It’s a beautiful and historic area with narrow streets, old buildings, and a special atmosphere. Over the years, she has displayed collections of oil, gouache, and acrylic paintings during various exhibitions.
A proud moment with my mom during one of her art shows in Sweden.
My mother’s exhibitions in Gamla Stan have been a special part of her artistic journey. Showing her work in such a historic and beautiful place, and sharing her creativity with a diverse audience in her hometown of Stockholm, has been truly heartwarming. Watching her grow as an artist in this inspiring setting has also influenced my own creative path.
Restoration work in Stockholm,
In addition to showcasing her art, my mom helped restore artwork in one of Old Stockholm’s buildings, demonstrating her skills not only in creating but also in preserving art.
Exhibitions in Dominican Republic
The Casa de Arte in Sosúa, Dominican Republic, inaugurated the exhibition Sosúa Inolvidable (Unforgettable Sosúa), featuring local artist Patricio López and Lana Repina, who was residing in Sosúa at the time. The exhibition highlighted significant moments in Sosúa’s history through their artwork. My mother's contribution was a series of paintings capturing the beauty and charm of Sosúa.
Both Lana Repina and Patricio López expressed their gratitude for the warm reception they received from the people of Sosúa.
Lana speaks Spanish fluently- a language she learned while living in Peru and during her years with my father. Although they later separated, she kept practicing and became even more comfortable with Spanish through visits and time spent in the Dominican Republic.
Lana's paintings offered a personal view, blending her own experiences with the story of Sosúa. Through her art, she captured the spirit of the town and its rich history. This exhibition not only showcased her talent but also strengthened her connection to the place. By painting Sosúa’s landscapes and moments, Lana invites viewers to see the town through her eyes and appreciate its culture more deeply.
Additional Works shown in the DR
Full Video of the exhibition (In Spanish)
To Conclude
From the legendary works of Ilya Repin to my mother’s personal exhibitions in Sweden and the Dominican Republic, this post shows how art takes many forms. While Ilya Repin is a world-famous figure in Russian art, my mother’s journey is smaller and more personal-but no less meaningful to me. Her life across Russia, Peru, and Sweden gave her art a blend of classical skill and multicultural warmth. Watching her share her work made me proud and continues to inspire my own creative path.
To view Lana Repina art visit www.lanarepina.com
Up Next
In my next blog post, I’ll share how I found inspiration- and fell in love- with New York.
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