The Franciscan Church

Series Vilnius, 1978–1993.

The Old Town of Soviet times is depicted in the series Vilnius as abandoned and untidy, but fascinating for its authenticity and its unexpectedly romantic corners. Repšys’ prints show the charm of urban decay. He did not portray a city of tourists, and he avoided ordinary subjects; even standard views look strange in his work. He drew views of Baroque churches from abandoned courtyards, and next to them he drew prosaic details of the Soviet period: leaning poles with broken wires, and rusty street lamps and road signs. Many churches were closed during that period, and with no access to them, they could only be seen from a distance, through fences.

Source: Law firm Valiunas Ellex art album VILNIUS. TOPOPHILIA II (2015). Compiler and author Laima Laučkaitė
Expositions: “Vilnius. Topophilia. Views of Vilnius from the collection of the law firm Ellex Valiunas”, 5 October – 26 November 2017, National Gallery of Art, Vilnius (curator Laima Laučkaitė). ‘Vilnius Forever. A Dialogue of Artworks and Guides to the City’, 25 May 2022 – 30 April 2023 Lithuanian Art Centre TARTLE (Užupio St. 40, Vilnius). Curator Laima Laučkaitė.
© VŠĮ „Lietuvos dailės fondas“

Series Vilnius, 1978–1993.

The Old Town of Soviet times is depicted in the series Vilnius as abandoned and untidy, but fascinating for its authenticity and its unexpectedly romantic corners. Repšys’ prints show the charm of urban decay. He did not portray a city of tourists, and he avoided ordinary subjects; even standard views look strange in his work. He drew views of Baroque churches from abandoned courtyards, and next to them he drew prosaic details of the Soviet period: leaning poles with broken wires, and rusty street lamps and road signs. Many churches were closed during that period, and with no access to them, they could only be seen from a distance, through fences.

Source: Law firm Valiunas Ellex art album VILNIUS. TOPOPHILIA II (2015). Compiler and author Laima Laučkaitė
Expositions: “Vilnius. Topophilia. Views of Vilnius from the collection of the law firm Ellex Valiunas”, 5 October – 26 November 2017, National Gallery of Art, Vilnius (curator Laima Laučkaitė). ‘Vilnius Forever. A Dialogue of Artworks and Guides to the City’, 25 May 2022 – 30 April 2023 Lithuanian Art Centre TARTLE (Užupio St. 40, Vilnius). Curator Laima Laučkaitė.
© VŠĮ „Lietuvos dailės fondas“