Lana Repina and a Name Connected to Art History (Ilya Repin)
- DariyaRepina
- Jun 9, 2025
- 4 min read
Updated: Jun 1
In this 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 painter Ilya Repin, one of the leading realist painters of the 19th century and an important figure in art history. Although there is no known connection, the shared surname has always felt like an interesting coincidence.
Before diving into Lana's work, I wanted to briefly introduce who Ilya Repin was and share a few of his paintings that I personally admire.
A Brief Note on Ilya Repin
Ilya Repin (1844–1930) was one of the leading realist painters of the 19th century, known for his powerful historical scenes and portraits.
Some of his most famous works include Barge Haulers on the Volga, Reply of the Zaporozhian Cossacks, and Ivan the Terrible and His Son Ivan.
While many of Ilya Repin’s major works are held in museum collections in Moscow and Saint Petersburg, some of his works can also be found outside Russia, including at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.
A Few Favorite Works by Repin
These are some of my favorite paintings by Repin, admired for their atmosphere, emotion, and artistic detail.
A few favorite works by Ilya Repin
The Artistic Journey of Lana Repina
Before her journey took her across continents, Lana Repina, began her artistic path in Moscow. In the early 1980s, she studied art at Moscow’s Art University, building a foundation in painting and drawing.
She also worked as an engineer in a design department, an experience that later helped her create drawings of city architecture, including works inspired by Sosúa, which she later exhibited in the Dominican Republic. Her love of garment-making was also part of her creative world — a skill that would stay with her throughout her life.
After meeting my father, who came from Peru, Lana's story expanded far beyond Moscow. She embraced the vibrant culture of Peru and learned Spanish. Because of this, I grew up between two cultures and two languages from an early age.
Creativity was always part of Lana's life, but it wasn’t until we moved to Sweden that she began dedicating more time to her art.
Over time, her artwork gained recognition, leading to commissions 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 in Gamla Stan, the historic old town of Stockholm. Known for its narrow streets, old buildings, and unique atmosphere, it is a popular destination for both locals and visitors.
In addition to these exhibitions, her artwork was also featured in an art store in the same district. Over the years, she has presented collections of oil, gouache, and acrylic paintings, sharing her creativity with audiences from Sweden and beyond.
Lana Repina’s artwork exhibited in Gamla Stan, Stockholm, Sweden
A moment with my mom, Lana Repina, at one of her exhibitions in Stockholm
These exhibitions in Gamla Stan have been a special part of her artistic journey. Showing her work in such a historic setting and sharing her creativity with a diverse audience in Stockholm has been heartwarming. Watching her grow as an artist in this inspiring environment has also influenced my own creative path.
Creating and Preserving Art
In addition to showcasing her own art, Lana has also helped restore artwork in one of Old Stockholm’s historic buildings. This showed her skill not only in creating art, but also in preserving it.
Lana Repina restoring artwork in a historic building in Stockholm
Exhibitions in the Dominican Republic
At Casa de Arte in Sosúa, Dominican Republic, Lana Repina participated in the exhibition Sosúa Inolvidable (Unforgettable Sosúa) alongside local artist Patricio López.
The exhibition highlighted meaningful moments in Sosúa’s history through their artwork.
Lana contributed a series of works capturing the beauty and charm of Sosúa during her time there.
Both Lana Repina and Patricio López expressed gratitude for the warm reception they received from the people of Sosúa.
Video from Sosúa Inolvidable at Casa de Arte in Sosúa, Dominican Republic
Lana speaks Spanish fluently, a language she first learned while living in Peru. She continued developing her fluency through the years and during time spent in the Dominican Republic.
Sosúa Inolvidable, featuring artwork by Lana Repina
Lana's artworks offered a personal view of Sosúa, blending her own experiences with the story of the town. Through her art, she captured its spirit, landscapes, and rich history.
This exhibition not only showcased her talent, but also deepened her connection to the place. By portraying Sosúa through her own eyes, she invited viewers to appreciate its culture, beauty, and atmosphere.
Further Exhibitions
These photographs capture moments from an earlier exhibition in the Dominican Republic, where Lana Repina shared her artwork with local audiences and visitors.
Lana Repina presenting her artwork during an exhibition in the Dominican Republic
A Personal Reflection
From the celebrated works of Ilya Repin to Lana Repina's exhibitions in Sweden and the Dominican Republic, this post shows how art can take many forms. While Ilya Repin is a renowned figure in art history, Lana's journey is more personal, but no less meaningful to me.
Her life across Russia, Peru, and Sweden has given her art a unique blend of classical training and multicultural influences. Watching her share her work has made me proud and continues to inspire my own creative path.
To view more of Lana Repina’s artwork, visit lanarepina.com.
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