The grand opening of "Tek," a solo exhibition by Kazakhstani artist Leyla Makhat, took place at the Presidential Center of the DPA RK.
The exhibition’s title references a central concept in Turkic culture. "Tek" means lineage, origin, and ancestral memory, but also "only," as in "tek saggan gana baylanysty"—it depends only on you. The exhibition explores both what we inherit and who we choose to become.
About 100 guests attended, including government officials, cultural and art representatives, and members of the public.
The exhibition features images of prominent women from the ancient Turkic world, Bactrian princesses, Kazakh brides, girls with traditional hair ornaments, sacred horses, and black panthers. Here, the past is not presented as a museum artefact, but as a living force that continues to speak to people today.
"The artist's works represent a remarkable synthesis of traditional symbols and cultural codes of the Great Steppe with European artistic traditions. All pieces are executed in a unique, signature technique: fine graphics, oil painting, and oil pastel are combined into a single artistic flow. This approach transforms every detail into part of a larger narrative about ancestors and spiritual roots. We sincerely thank Leila for her courage to share her vision, for the depth and expressiveness of her work," said Bakytzhan Temirbolat, Director of the Presidential Center of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
Leila Mahat transforms archaeology into portraiture, cultural memory into artistic imagery, and the history of the Great Steppe into a platform for contemporary dialogue. Ancient symbols interact with European artistic traditions, as motifs of nomadic culture engage with images of Leonardo da Vinci and Raphael while maintaining their distinct identity.
"For me, as an artist, every exhibition is always a challenge and a kind of test, because you open your soul and heart to the viewer. Today, my exhibition, "Tek," is presented. The works on display have been in my studio for two years. Frankly, I was very nervous, because in these works, I followed primarily my intuition, inner feeling, and my experience. I wanted to bring a little more aesthetics and beauty to the world. Today, I am thrilled to present this work to the viewer," noted Leila Mahat.
All the works have been created using the artist’s own technique, which combines delicate line drawing, oil painting and oil pastel. This approach enables the artist to craft a precise yet mythological world, where each detail contributes to a broader narrative about memory, feminine strength, origins, and the freedom to be oneself.
"Tek" does not view the Great Steppe as a distant past, but as a living culture that continues to shape our language, imagery, and self-perception.
The artist chairs the curatorial board of the Kulanshi Center for Contemporary Art, is a professor, and a recipient of state awards. The exhibition features approximately 35 works.
The exhibition will run until May 17, 2026.
