The life and art of Abilkhan Kasteev

The episode presents an in-depth documentary on the life and artistic legacy of Abilkhan Kasteev, a pioneering Kazakh artist who rose from humble beginnings to become one of Kazakhstan's most celebrated cultural figures. Born in 1904 in the Almaty region, Kasteev’s early life was marked by hardship, working from a young age to support his family. Despite these challenges, his natural artistic talent flourished, and he became known for his ability to vividly capture the history, culture, and everyday life of the Kazakh people. Throughout his career, Kasteev’s work was heavily influenced by both traditional Kazakh culture and Soviet ideology, making him a key figure in Kazakhstan's artistic development under Soviet rule.