ASTANA –Well-known Kazakhstan artist Rafael Slekenov held a public exhibition at the Radisson Hotel on Nov. 19.
Originally from Atyrau, Slekenov is one of the most promising and renowned artists in Kazakhstan and has become famous for his unique ad hoc approach to painting.
The one-day exhibition attracted many Astana locals and guests from the Radisson. Attendees had the rare opportunity to view Slekenov’s paintings, which depict the life of Kazakh people. The uniqueness of Slekenov’s art lies in his use of bright colours. Over the years, the artist has incorporated traditional, as well as avant-garde styles of painting.
All seasons can be seen in Slekenov’s paintings. His art depicts the joy of Kazakhstan’s high mountains and pure rivers where animals – and even mysterious creatures – run free. His works depict people and nature living happily and enjoying the wonders of the universe.
Slekenov also depicts his native village Inder and even childhood dreams. Kazakh folk motifs can also be found in his abstract paintings. The artist said recently he wants to depict his subjects in a way that they cannot be depicted in photos or video.
“The main point about my paintings is to catch the feeling. I try to paint the way that makes people feel rested and released from stress by looking at my pictures. I hope my exhibitions will help people to forget about their problems and they will finally find time just to look around and see something good in every detail,” explained Slekenov.
The exhibition, in which Slekenov hoped to attract buyers and art connoisseurs, also included Asian carpets and Kazakh jewellery presented by artists from Almaty.
Slekenov is the winner of the Zhiger 2000 and Shabyt 2001 art festivals, a member of the Union of Artists of Kazakhstan, the winner of the National Award Tarlan-2004, a Fellow of the Ministry of Culture of Poland, a corresponding member of the Academy of Artists of Kazakhstan and a member of the International Association of Artists Mirca Art Group. Slekenov’s artwork has been exhibited and collected internationally. He has had numerous solo exhibitions, including exhibits in the United States, Norway, Britain, Holland and Russia.
