Ural artist Alina Khozhantaeva became a finalist of the international exhibition in Taiwan Art Revolution Taipei 2025, where they presented a portrait of the author "Daughter of the Steppes" - this is what Alina called her work.
- The background of the canvas is decorated with a national tekemet carpet. The main colors are yellow and blue. Yellow refers to the sun, and blue symbolizes the water element and the sky. The combination of colors leads to the national flag, and also shows a sense of independence and freedom. This is how our ancestors lived - nomads. Green clothes are flora. My skin in this picture is associated with the earth, with the earth element. There are pebbles on it, that is, minerals. I deliberately made them translucent and not very shiny, since these are hidden riches. National decorations contain ornaments in the national style. Hair is wet - there are many rivers, lakes, the Caspian Sea in Kazakhstan... The painting is a tribute to ancestors, nomads. My work was highly appreciated and received rave reviews from visitors to the exhibition, collectors, critics and representatives of Taiwanese news outlets. The Art Revolution Taipei exhibition traditionally takes place from August 22 to 24. Various collectors, art dealers, representatives of galleries and news outlets take part. More than 3,000 paintings were submitted to the competition, and only 109 of them passed the selection. Artists from 69 countries of the world participate in the exhibition, and it is a great honor for me to present my work here, - said Alina.
By the way, Alina is the only finalist from Kazakhstan in this prestigious competition. Both galleries and individual artists participate in the exhibition. Individual artists are presented as part of the International Artist Grand Prize Competition. During the exhibition, many lectures and fairs are held, and a large number of volunteers work who help organize the event at a high level. – I want to express my gratitude to those who believed in me: my former college supervisor Bibigul Ermekovna, my mother and others who were with me in spirit.
Alina is a talented person, a real phenomenon, who combined seemingly incompatible spheres: art, fashion and language learning. She is constantly searching for herself. She is a kaleidoscope of talents and hobbies. She graduated from school with honors, is fluent in English, Chinese and Turkish, and is now conquering Portuguese, Spanish, French and Italian. But instead of entering a prestigious university, she chose an industrial college to become an electrician. A paradox? Perhaps. But this is precisely what makes her unique – the ability to see the world from a different angle, not to follow the beaten path, but to create her own path.
She began to draw during the pandemic. First, portraits of people, then her beloved dogs. Soon her works began to attract attention. Alina does not limit herself to one technique – she is a master of oil, acrylic, watercolor, charcoal, pencil, pastel and gouache. Her style is a harmonious mix of impressionism, surrealism and expressionism, inspired by great artists such as Frida Kahlo.
– I cannot attribute my paintings to any specific style. It is rather impressionism combined with elements of surrealism and expressionism, – says Alina.
The first exhibition was held in the Darya Museum under the title “We are all different”. The second one was held there, and Alina is glad that her art found a response in the hearts of the village residents. Then came an invitation to an international exhibition in Turkey, where Alina presented 34 works under the title “Mirror of my soul”. Many of the paintings were sold, which was an important step in her career. Her works have also been presented at prestigious international venues, including the Hechyeomoyeo 11 exhibition in Vietnam and Homerion Gallery in Greece. Alina actively participates in online shows organized by Blue Space Gallery, Art Channel, Art Babe Club and other galleries.
Perseverance and the pursuit of excellence have brought her victories in international competitions such as Vibrant Asia and Oriental Flair. She is a finalist in the Art for Peace competition held by Art Channel Gallery and the Call for Emerging Artists competition organized by Blue Space Gallery. She won the Best Graphics nomination at the competition dedicated to Mikhail Sholokhov.
Alina’s life is a constant search. She knows firsthand what loneliness and misunderstanding are. Classmates envied her academic success, and teachers set an example, which caused even more hostility. But all these difficulties only tempered her character and made her stronger.
– All this deeply influenced my perception of the world. I matured early, my character became stronger and stronger. I set goals for myself and worked hard to achieve them, - Alina shares. She is a real movie buff. She loves films and analyzes them not only in terms of plot and script, but also color scheme, filming style and acting. She seriously studies the process of film making and admires the talent of those who create them.
At the beginning of her creative path, she painted portraits of celebrities. She dreamed of meeting them, and her dream came true. She met British actor and film director Andy Serkis and Scott Adkins. They signed her works, and Alina gave them their portraits with her signature.
In addition to her talent in painting, she became a sought-after model, appearing on the pages of Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar and Elle. She traveled half the world, publishing exciting photos from her trips. Open, interesting and always ready for new challenges.

Author: Nadezhda Zholdosheva
Photo by Alina Khozhantayeva

"Mirror of My Soul" offered a profound glimpse into the inner world of Alina Khoznan, reflecting her thoughts, emotions, and passions. The exhibition featured a blend of self-portraits and imaginative parodies of famous artworks, reinterpreted with the inclusion of dog figures. Through these works, Alina explored themes of self-reflection, identity, and her unique bond with animals, inviting viewers to connect with the depth of her artistic vision.

The exhibition The Hechyeomoyeo 11 took place at Space Garden in Da Nang, Vietnam, from 1 to 29 June 2025.
It was a group art show featuring contemporary works by international artists, celebrating cultural diversity and creative dialogue.

Art Exhibition of a Talented Artist from Uralsk

Recently, the "Mirror of My Soul" exhibition by artist Alina Khozhantayeva was held at Pinelo Art gallery, located in the center of Istanbul, Turkey.

"I decided to follow in my father's footsteps. He is an experienced engineer, and after college, I plan to become an engineer myself. During my school years, I had a strong passion for physics and math, excelling in various academic competitions. I was part of the regional and national competition reserve team."

Alina’s interest in art began in her school years. After becoming a student at BKIK, several of her works made their way to international exhibitions. She participated in shows organized by the American Art Babe Club, including the "Summer 2024" and "Fall 2024" international online exhibitions. Additionally, she was a finalist in exhibitions organized by Blue Space Art Gallery and Art Channel’s "Art for Peace" exhibition.

As an artist dedicated to her craft, Alina plans to complete her studies next year. She is fluent in Russian, Chinese, and English, enabling her to communicate and negotiate freely on a global scale.

At the Pinelo Art Gallery

In October of this year, a solo exhibition by our fellow countrywoman, 18-year-old Alina Khozhantayeva, was held at the Pinelo Art Gallery in the heart of Istanbul. The exhibition, titled "The Mirror of My Soul," featured 34 paintings that reflected the inner world and emotions of the young artist.

Alina, a third-year student at the West Kazakhstan Industrial College, is a self-taught artist, model, and blogger who has loved drawing since childhood. She began to take her art seriously in 2020, and it quickly became her favorite activity. That same year, her first solo exhibition, "Painting is My Second Self," opened in Uralsk and garnered attention from local and national media. In the following year, her second solo exhibition, "We Are All Different," was held at the Daryinsk Museum.

“This collection reflects my inner world, my thoughts, passions, and the things I love the most. Each piece serves as a window into my emotions and experiences, inviting viewers to dive into the depths of my creative journey,” shared Alina.

In 2023, Alina was nominated for the "Best Graphic Art" competition dedicated to the Russian writer Mikhail Sholokhov. Unfortunately, her talent went unrecognized by local judges. However, in 2024, she received a first-degree diploma for her participation in the international competitions "ORIENTAL FLAIR" and "Vibrant Asia."

“I participated in various joint exhibitions, including the international online exhibitions 'Summer 2024' and 'Fall 2024' organized by the American Art Babe Club. I also became a finalist in exhibitions hosted by Blue Space Art Gallery and the 'Art for Peace' exhibition organized by Art Channel. There was a time when I prepared for an exhibition in Uralsk, but the Exhibition Hall management declined, saying my paintings did not suit their format. Despite local indifference, my work found success nationally and internationally,” Alina explained.

One of her most meaningful works is “Serenity.” It depicts an ideal fantasy world free from problems, where space and time are ephemeral. The vivid landscape reflects the inner peace and blissful state of its characters. The painting features the artist herself alongside her dog, Darcy. Alina also created a series of works titled “Call for Ancestors,” inspired by Kazakhstan’s culture and history. This series includes pieces like “Daughter of Steppes,” “Mother Nature,” and “Spirit of Ancestors,” which highlight the Kazakh people’s deep connection to nature.

“Every Kazakh has a ‘ru’—a clan belonging to one of the three Zhuzes: Senior, Middle, or Junior. My grandmother belonged to the Tore clan, descendants of Genghis Khan. The Tore clan is not part of any Zhuz as it represented aristocracy, people of royal blood. The spiritual patron of the Tore clan is the wolf. My grandmother and I were very close, but she passed away when I was nine. I dedicated a portrait to her memory. She will always live in my heart,” shared Alina.

Notably, since the age of 16, Alina has worked as a model, gaining recognition not only in Kazakhstan but also in Turkey, the UAE, and Uzbekistan. Her unique beauty has been featured in prestigious magazines such as British Vogue, Indian L'Officiel, Turkish Marie Claire, Kazakh Harper's Bazaar, Dubai’s The Victor Magazine, Schön, and others. She has participated in shows such as Visa Fashion Week in Tashkent and Almaty, Eurasia Fashion Week, Dubai Fashion Week, and Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, among others.

At the Pinelo Art Gallery
In October of this year, a solo exhibition by our fellow countrywoman, 18-year-old Alina Khozhantayeva, was held at the Pinelo Art Gallery in the heart of Istanbul. The exhibition, titled "The Mirror of My Soul," featured 34 paintings that reflected the inner world and emotions of the young artist.
One of her most meaningful works is “Serenity.” It depicts an ideal fantasy world free from problems, where space and time are ephemeral. The vivid landscape reflects the inner peace and blissful state of its characters. The painting features the artist herself alongside her dog, Darcy. Alina also created a series of works titled “Call for Ancestors,” inspired by Kazakhstan’s culture and history. This series includes pieces like “Daughter of Steppes,” “Mother Nature,” and “Spirit of Ancestors,” which highlight the Kazakh people’s deep connection to nature.

The International Art Exhibition in Chios, Greece, was held from November 6th to 9th, 2024. It was a grand event featuring more than 40 artists from around the world.

Alina Khozhantaeva is awarded the 1st Degree Diploma for participating in the "Oriental Flair" international contest in the Visual Arts category. We wish her boundless creative inspiration.

The exhibition aims to create an inclusive space where viewers can engage with powerful works that reflect the experiences, emotions, and creativity of female artists. Each piece invites reflection and dialogue, challenging perceptions while promoting empowerment and community.

I participated in the "Art for Peace" online international exhibition hosted by Art Channel as a finalist. This exhibition features artworks from artists worldwide, focusing on themes of peace, unity, and hope. The event serves as a platform for showcasing diverse artistic expressions that promote dialogue on global harmony.

The exhibition aims to create an inclusive space where viewers can engage with powerful works that reflect the experiences, emotions, and creativity of female artists. Each piece invites reflection and dialogue, challenging perceptions while promoting empowerment and community.

Alina Khozhantaeva has been selected as a finalist in the "Emerging Voices" contest hosted by Blue Space Art Gallery. This opportunity includes participation in an online exhibition showcasing the work of talented emerging artists.

Alina Khozhantaeva from Uralsk is awarded the 1st Degree Diploma for participating in the "Vibrant Asia" international contest in the Visual Arts category. We wish her boundless creative inspiration.

Unusual paintings are created by a young artist from Uralsk. Alina Khozhantayeva is only 14 years old. The girl has never attended art school. She first picked up a pencil when she was just two years old. From a young age, she amazed people with her ability to draw nature and portraits of famous people. My colleague Tatyana Rudametova visited her painting studio.
Alina began drawing when she was just two years old. Even then, she impressed adults with her ability to confidently hold a pencil. Now, the schoolgirl can depict animals, nature, and draw a portrait of a person in just a few hours. Her paintings are full of life, movement, and emotion.
Alina KHOZHANTAYEVA, ARTIST:
Most of all, I love to draw people, but I also draw landscapes and animals. I experiment with different styles. I want to try painting in the seiching style. I will show my works later.
Alina's mother, Olesya, has dedicated herself to her daughter's passion, helping and supporting her in every way. She showed her daughter's works to well-known regional artists. Renowned masters noted the elegance of her lines, the purity of her colors, and her unique style.
Olesya KHOZHANTAYEVA, MOTHER OF THE SCHOOLGIRL:
I am thrilled with how she draws people. It is so detailed and precise, and she captures not just a likeness but the soul and character of the person she draws.
In the future, Alina dreams of making a career out of her passion. Currently, she has about 40 works. She wants to create about as many more and organize her own exhibition.
T. Rudametova

A Prodigy Girl from Uralsk Draws Amazing Portraits on Commission
URALSK. KAZINFORM – Ambiguity, nuances, irony, a delicate play of light and shadow… Looking at these paintings, it’s hard to believe they were created by a child. Alina Khozhantayeva is a talented self-taught girl who learns as she works, directly on the canvas. She pours all her feelings, emotions, and experiences into her creations, reports a correspondent from MIA Kazinform.

Wildlife of Kenya, a mysterious masked woman, the enigmatic Jason Statham, the unflappable Jean Reno, a graceful Ethiopian woman in a turban – it’s astonishing how subtly this 13-year-old girl can convey the sensuality of each movement.

"I draw and get immense pleasure from the process of working on a composition. When I’m tired or upset, I immediately pick up a brush. Inspiration comes, and I simply follow my inner voice and create. I forget everything and live in my own world. I love seeing the final result, and my works make me happy. I put a piece of myself and my understanding of the moment I’m living into each one. Our family is generally creative. My grandfather was an artist, my grandmother sang beautifully. Those who heard her voice thought she had musical education. My mother sews original designer clothes," Alina shared.

Olesya Khozhantayeva, who has dedicated her life to raising her daughter, is a sensitive mentor and closest friend to her.

"I think our creativity comes from my mother – Amina Zhumagalievna – an intelligent and incredibly creative person. She not only sang wonderfully but also embroidered pictures, which is a labor-intensive and challenging process requiring a lot of patience and persistence. Each of her hand-embroidered pictures is a true work of art. Moreover, my mother invented unique looks and dressed like someone from a fashion magazine. Her love for beauty, impeccable taste, and sense of style are unforgettable," noted Olesya, Alina’s mother.

Alina is an unusual and versatile personality. At 13, she is a top model, participating in fashion shows not only in her hometown but also abroad. She won first place in the "Top Child Model" contest in Moscow in 2018. According to the girl, she inherited a love of travel from her grandmother. She has traveled to France, Mexico, Kenya, China, and other countries with her parents. The impressions from these travels inspire and fuel her creativity and self-expression.

"In Alina’s works, you can feel her unique style; she freely varies colors, unafraid of sharp contrasts. Some beginner artists try to draw as beautifully as possible, making their work seem impersonal. Alina, however, is free from all constraints and rules, expressing herself in her art without any limitations," said Baktygali Urazov, a member of the Union of Artists of the Republic of Kazakhstan and an exhibition organizer at the regional center named after Kadir Myrza Ali.

Kair Orazgaliyev, a member of the Union of Artists of the Republic of Kazakhstan, chairman of the regional branch of the Union of Artists of the Republic of Kazakhstan for WKO, and chief artist of the regional drama theater named after H. Bukeeva, believes that Alina’s works are more than good for a self-taught artist.

"When I saw famous actors depicted by her, caricatures, still lifes – it moved me. She managed to convey the characters of her subjects and their emotions, which is most important. She skillfully uses nuances with just a pencil. The girl is undoubtedly talented, a prodigy. She needs to continue developing in this direction and learning. It would be great if she further honed her skills under the guidance of professional teachers. In short, her beginnings are very promising," emphasized the artist.

Alina dances, paints pictures and portraits on commission, sings, speaks English, and has passed the fourth level of the Chinese language proficiency exam. She is also successfully mastering the art of horseback riding. What Alina will become in the future, what profession she will choose, is still unknown. One can only wish her not to lose her talent for the wonderful world of magical colors and to continue delighting audiences with her creativity.

The Boundlessness of Creativity
The Palette School-Studio has once again delighted the residents and guests of Uralsk with its creativity. From July 1 to 15, the city exhibition hall is hosting an exhibition titled "Creativity Without Borders for Children and Adults," showcasing works by young artists and master painters. Anyone can admire the paintings, which carry a tremendous charge of talent, inspiration, and uniqueness.
One of art teachers in this school has joined this exhibition. It is the well-known 15-year-old self-taught artist Alina Khozhantayeva, who has presented 10 of her works.

A Prodigy Girl from Uralsk Creates Amazing Paintings
It has become a tradition on our channel to share stories every Friday about the remarkable people of our region, the unique hobbies of Uralsk residents, as well as engaging and informative events. This time, our film crew visited the prodigy girl from Uralsk who creates stunning paintings. The collection of the 14-year-old schoolgirl includes the wildlife of Kenya, sunsets in Kemer, and the unparalleled culture of various European countries. All of these were depicted by Alina Khozhantayeva herself. The young artist has neither a formal education in art nor a professional mentor. My colleague will tell you about the remarkable talent of this young girl from Uralsk.

A Prodigy from Uralsk

Ambiguity, nuances, irony, a delicate play of light and shadows... Looking at her paintings, it's hard to believe they were created by a child. Our fellow countrywoman, Alina Khozhantayeva, is a talented self-taught girl who learns while working, right "on the canvas." She pours all her feelings, emotions, and experiences into her creations. The wild nature of Kenya, a mysterious masked woman, the enigmatic Jason Statham, the unflappable Jean Reno, and a graceful Ethiopian woman in a turban—it's astonishing how subtly this 13-year-old girl has conveyed the sensuality of each movement. Alina began drawing in her first year of life, and the first thing that caught her family's attention was that she held the pencil correctly and confidently.

"When I draw, I get immense pleasure from the process of working on a composition. When I'm tired or upset about something, I immediately pick up the brush. Inspiration comes, and I just follow my inner voice and create. I forget about everything and live in my own world. I love seeing the final result, and my works make me happy. I put a piece of myself and my understanding of the moment I am living into each of them," Alina shared. "Our family is generally creative. My grandfather was an artist, my grandmother sang, and those who heard her voice thought she was an opera singer with a musical education. My mother sews original designer clothes."

Olesya Khozhantayeva, who dedicated her life to raising her daughter, is a sensitive mentor and the closest friend to her.

"I believe our creativity comes from my mother, Amina Zhumagalievna—an intelligent and incredibly creative person. She not only sang beautifully but also embroidered pictures, a labor-intensive and challenging process requiring a lot of patience and persistence. Each of her hand-embroidered pictures is a true work of art. Moreover, my mother invented unique looks and dressed like someone from a fashion magazine. Her love for all things beautiful, her impeccable taste, and sense of style are unforgettable," recalls Olesya. "In short, my mother taught me lessons in style, etiquette, and beauty from childhood, and then passed them on to her granddaughter."

According to Alina, she also inherited a love of travel from her grandmother. Traveling abroad several times a year is a beloved tradition for their family. They have visited Paris, Mexico, Kenya, China, and many other countries.

"It is precisely the impressions I get during my travels that give me so much inspiration and drive for creativity and self-expression," says Alina.

Since childhood, Alina has been characterized by persistence and patience, unusual for a child.

"Alina started walking at 8 months but spoke quite late, around four years old. I didn't take her to a speech therapist; I just bought the necessary textbooks and started working with her. She mispronounced some letters, and I noticed her persistence then. We practiced for 3-4 hours a day in front of the mirror, and soon there were significant changes in her pronunciation. She didn't attend kindergarten, but by the age of 5, she could read, write, and count fluently," recalls Olesya. "I remember when Alina got interested in studying Chinese at 10 years old. On the first day, she came home upset because her classmates knew much more than she did. But this motivated her so much that she studied independently for several hours a day and soon achieved excellent results, to the point where the teacher started giving her individual lessons."

This summer, the enterprising girl decided to earn some money: she worked as an English tutor, teaching elementary school students. Both parents and children were very satisfied. After convincing her mother, she successfully trained as a manicurist and bought special equipment, materials, and tools for professional nail art. She already has regular clients—her mother and neighbors—who say her manicures are as good as those from a salon.

Alina is such an extraordinary and versatile personality that it's astonishing. At 13, she is a top model, participating in fashion shows not only in her hometown but also abroad. She won first place in the "Top Child Model" contest in Moscow in 2018. Alina dances, paints pictures and portraits on commission, sings, speaks English, and passed the fourth level of the Chinese language proficiency exam. She is also successfully mastering the art of horseback riding. What Alina will become in the future, what profession she will choose, is still unknown. But one thing is clear: whatever path she chooses, she will do her work effortlessly and achieve perfection, as her mother taught her to live and work conscientiously from childhood.

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Renowned artists from our region highly praised Alina Khozhantayeva's creativity.

"In Alina's works, you can feel her unique style; she freely varies colors, unafraid of sharp contrasts. Some beginner artists try to make their work as beautiful as possible, making it seem impersonal. Alina, however, is free from all constraints and rules, expressing herself in her art without any limitations," noted Baktygali Urazov, a member of the Union of Artists of the Republic of Kazakhstan and an exhibition organizer at the Kadir Myrza Ali Center.

"For a self-taught artist, this is more than a good level. When I saw famous actors depicted by her, caricatures, still lifes—it moved me. She managed to convey the characters and emotions, which is the most important thing. She skillfully used nuances with just a pencil. The girl is undoubtedly talented, a prodigy. She needs to continue developing in this direction and learning. It is disappointing that those who should be getting an art education often aren't. Therefore, it would be great if she further honed her skills under the guidance of professional teachers. In short, the beginning is very promising," emphasized Kair Orazgaliev, a member of the Union of Artists of the Republic of Kazakhstan, chairman of the regional branch of the Union of Artists of the Republic of Kazakhstan for WKO, and chief artist of the regional drama theater named after H. Bukeeva.

Ural schoolgirl has been drawing amazing portraits since the age of two

A young artist from Uralsk creates unusual paintings. Since early childhood, the schoolgirl has impressed with her ability to draw nature and portraits of famous people. This is reported by the online edition "Nadezhda". Alina Khozhantaeva is only 14 years old. The girl has never studied at an art school. Alina took a pencil in her hand when she was two years old. Even then, the child amazed adults with her ability to confidently hold a pencil. Now, in just a few hours, the schoolgirl can depict animals, nature, and write a portrait of a person. At the same time, her paintings are full of life, movement, and emotions. "I love to draw people the most, but I also draw landscapes and can draw animals. I try myself in different styles. I want to try to paint in the seiching style. Later, I will show my works," says Alina Khozhantaeva. The mother of the young artist, Olesya, devoted herself to her daughter's hobby, helping and supporting her in every way. She showed her daughter's works to well-known artists in the region. Renowned masters noted the elegance of the lines, the purity of colors, and the individual style. Olesya Khozhantaeva, Alina's mother, "I am delighted with how she draws people. It is so detailed, skillful, and she captures not just drawing, and that's it! You can feel the soul - she draws a person and captures, conveys his character," says Olesya. In the future, Alina dreams of pursuing her favorite hobby as a career. At the moment, the girl has about 40 works. She wants to write about the same amount more and dreams of organizing her own exhibition.

In the Palette of Sensations

Until July 15th, residents of Uralsk and guests will have the opportunity to admire the intricate paintings of artists from the private school-studio "Palette." The exhibition "Creativity Without Borders for Children and Adults" consists of 250 paintings, executed by both students and young teachers. It is taking place at the city exhibition hall located on Nazarbayev Avenue.

Fifteen-year-old Alina Khozhantaeva, a self-taught artist (pictured on the right), is conducting master classes for schoolchildren together with teachers from "Palette." The girl has loved drawing since early childhood but discovered this talent in a new way during the pandemic when she had a lot of free time and an incredible desire to create. At the exhibition, she presented ten of her paintings. They are quite unusual, filled with unique emotions. Her individual style and subtle ability to convey human character are evident. The young artist has already held two solo exhibitions and plans to pursue a future in art.