Abylkhan Kasteev (Abilkhan Kasteev) – founder of Kazakh painting, people's artist of Kazakh SSR, left a bright mark in the history of national art. His work reflects the life of the Kazakh people, its traditions, culture and nature.

Born on January 4, 1904, in the village of Chizhin, located in the Semirechensk region (now Almaty region). He came from the Suan tribe of the Elder Zhuz. His journey in art began in 1929 when he entered the art studio of the famous Russian artist Nikolai Khludov in Almaty. Continuing to improve his skills, from 1934 to 1937 he studied at the Moscow art studio named after N. K. Krupskaya.

Abylkhan Kasteev stood at the origins of the formation of fine arts Kazakhstan. In 1944 he was awarded the title of People's Artist of the Kazakh SSR. In 1954–1956 he headed the Union of Artists of Kazakhstan, actively participating in the development of the national artistic heritage.

Being a deputy of the Supreme Council of the Kazakh SSR of several convocations, Kasteev made a contribution not only to art, but also to the public life of the country.

Kasteev created many paintings dedicated to the life of the Kazakh people, rural labor and historical events. Among his famous works:

Genre scenes: “Collective farm dairy farm”, “Milking mares”, “Cotton harvesting”, “Collective farm toy”, “Bride kidnapping”, “Bought bride”, “Golden grain”.

Landscapes and industrial motifs: “Aksai Quarry”, “Medeo High Mountain Skating Rink”, “Turksib”, “Talas Valley”, “Kapchagai Steppe”.

Portraits of outstanding personalities: Amangeldy Imanov, Kenesary Kasymov, Abay Kunanbaev, Chokan Valikhanov, Zhambyl Zhabaev, as well as his mother.

His works are distinguished by deep expressiveness, attention to detail and love for his family earth.

The creative legacy of Abylkhan Kasteev continues to inspire modern artists. Today his works are stored in the largest art museum of Kazakhstan – The State Museum of Arts of the Republic Kazakhstan, which bears the name of the master.

Abylkhan Kasteev left life 2 November 1973 He was buried in Almaty at the Kensai cemetery, but his art forever remained part of the national culture of Kazakhstan.