On 5 June, 2026 at 4.00 pm, the National Central Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan will present a solo exhibition entitled «MY SOUL GARDENS» by the artist Rysbek Iskakov, a member of the Union of Artists of the Republic of Kazakhstan dedicated to the author’s 70th anniversary.
The exhibition «MY SOUL GARDENS» is not a retrospective of the past, but rather a continuation of the artist’s creative exploration – featuring new works that reflect his worldview, shaped by the interplay of national tradition, personal experience and observation, as well as his reflections on time, humanity and the world around us.
Rysbek Iskakov was born in 1956. His artistic career reflects his dedication to the academic tradition and his continuous search for new creative horizons. He graduated from the N.V. Gogol Academy of Fine Arts under K.D. Duisenbaev and from the Abay Kazakh State Pedagogical Institute under M.A. Nurlybaev, specializing as a graphic artist and lecturer in painting.
Artistic background
He worked as a set designer at the M. Auezov Kazakh National Drama Theatre. From the 1990s onwards, R. Iskakov entered a creatively prolific period – he worked in Russia, Germany, and France and, as a result, was admitted to the Association of Artists of Paris in 2003. This period is vividly reflected in both his earlier and current works. His experience engaging with the European art scene has influenced his artistic language, enriching his painting style with a distinctive freedom, a subtle use of color, and an attention to the emotional state of the image.
R. Iskakov has taken part in national and international exhibitions and art festivals held in Almaty, Astana, Moscow, Tashkent, and Samarkand. Rysbek Iskakov’s work has been recognized with numerous certificates and diplomas. Since 2025, he has been a member of the international group «Golden Wings».
By the artist’s own admission, landscape painting holds a special place in his work. However, when considering his works, it is important to note the significance of the themes of family, love, and human values. Themes centered on the mother-child relationship, the warmth of family ties, and respect for parents occupy a significant place in his artistic world.
The exhibition also includes a series of works that express love for the homeland, evoke the world of nomadic culture, and highlight Kazakh national traditions. The artist captures the national character and the boundless landscapes of the steppe. Works such as «Saukeledegi Aru», «Keruen», and others highlight the beauty of Kazakh folk costume and the cultural heritage of the Kazakh people. The particularly noteworthy work «Burkitshi», is a landscape that draws the viewer’s attention to the interaction between human beings and nature. The image of the horse occupies a special place in his art as a symbol of nomadic culture and the steppe worldview.
Alongside his lyrical depictions of the steppe, the artist focuses on urban architecture, using it to convey a sense of modernity and the complexity of the cultural landscape. The architectural landmarks of Panfilov Street feature prominently in several of the artist’s works.
R. Iskakov’s art offers a profound reflection of his inner world, philosophy, and cultural identity. The exhibition presents around 80 paintings.
The Central State Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan invites art lovers to join an artistic dialogue, highlighting works that reflect beauty, time, and inner light.
Opening hours: June 5–19, 9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
(Closed on Tuesdays) Address: Samal-1, 44, Almaty.
