Lecture: "The Phenomenal Portraitist of the Era – Ilya Repin"

About the Event

On October 9 at 7:15 PM, renowned art historian Diana Klochko will deliver a lecture at Zenyk Art Gallery on the portraits of Ilya Repin, shedding light on the lesser-known aspects of the artist’s engagement with Ukrainian themes and their role in shaping his distinctive style.

Ilya Repin is considered one of the most prominent portraitists of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. His work masterfully combines deep psychological insight with an acute attention to ethnographic detail. During the lecture, Diana Klochko will explore how, in the 1870s—after a trip to Paris—Repin began to incorporate elements of "exoticism" in his portraits, discovering the rich coloristic potential of traditional Ukrainian costume.

Diana Klochko will analyze:

• how ethnographic motifs and clothing details helped form Repin’s signature style;

• why many of his portraits resemble an “unwritten play,” full of expressive gestures, lighting, and backgrounds;

• which female archetypes Repin most often chose, and why they became especially popular among his patrons.

The lecture will be accompanied by rich visual material, offering a deeper understanding of the evolution of Repin’s artistic vision.

A special highlight of the evening will be the opportunity to view original portraits by Ilya Repin currently on display in the exhibition “PARADISE/HELL” at Zenyk Art Gallery.

Event Date: Thursday, October 9 at 7:15 PM
Participation Fee: 500 UAH
Seats are limited