The International Repin Plein Air, held annually in the city of Chuhuiv – the birthplace of the renowned artist Ilya Repin – is a unique cultural event that brings together professional painters from around the world, celebrating both classical and contemporary traditions of fine art.
Read More »Purpose and Format
The Plein Air aims to preserve and develop the traditions of realistic painting, inspire new generations of artists, and support cultural exchange. The event typically lasts for about three weeks and concludes on August 5 – Ilya Repin’s birthday.
Each year, Chuhuiv welcomes artists from Ukraine and abroad – including Finland, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Poland, Germany, Sweden and more. Since its inception, over 200 artists from more than 60 cities across 10 countries have taken part in the event.
Online Format Since 2022
Due to russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the Plein Air has been held in an online format since 2022. Despite the challenges of wartime, this artistic tradition continues – in a new, adaptive form.
The city of Chuhuiv sends each participant two canvases and a set of paints, and the artists create their works in their own studios around the world.
After completion, each artist sends back two artworks as a gift to the city. The organizers cover the shipping costs.
2026 Theme
“Flowers of Slobozhanshchyna: Memory in Bloom”
At a time when Ukraine is defending its independence, the preservation of spiritual values and cultural identity – and their integration into the contemporary cultural space – becomes especially important, as culture shapes the resilience and unity of society. This theme will be the focus of the XXVI International Repin Plein Air 2026.
The theme of the plein air invites artists to reflect on Slobozhanshchyna as a space of memory, strength, and revival. Flowers in the artworks can serve as symbols of resilience, light, human dignity, and life emerging through trials.
A genre composition is mandatory.
The centerpiece of the work should be a person, an event, or a life story connected to Slobozhanshchyna, combined with the image of flowers as a symbol of memory, hope, and unity.
The artwork should not be merely decorative but a creative expression of contemporary reality, memory, and the revival of the region.
Traveling Exhibition
The works created during the Plein Air become part of a traveling exhibition, which is showcased throughout the year in various cities across Ukraine. This initiative fosters cultural dialogue, supports artists, and strengthens national identity.
Cultural Impact
The Repin Plein Air is more than an art event. It is an act of cultural resilience – a platform for international dialogue and creative freedom during a time of war. Despite all obstacles, Chuhuiv continues to unite artists around the world through the healing, inspiring, and empowering power of art.
We warmly invite you to take part in the 2026 International Repin Plein Air in Chuhuiv.
If you are interested in participating, we kindly ask you to confirm your involvement as soon as possible (not later than May,20) by sending us (energy.chuguev@gmail.com) the full name of the artist, short biography, and the shipping address where we can deliver the materials.
As part of the preparation, we will send you a set of reference photos of Kharkiv Region to help you better visualize it and get inspired for your artwork.
We look forward to your participation and creative vision!
