Alina Khozhan | Artist at Mondoir

Nationality: Kazakh

Discipline: painting

Born: 2006

Based in: Astana, Kazakhstan

Biography

I am a self-taught artist whose professional journey began in 2020 during the global quarantine. What started as an intense inner need to create quickly became a disciplined and purposeful artistic path. I trained every day, constantly setting new challenges for myself and pushing my technical and emotional boundaries. That year marked a turning point: at just 13 years old, my work was presented on public and regional television, featured in interviews and news outlets, and culminated in my first solo exhibition. Within a single year, my artistic practice transformed from exploration into a professional vocation. Art has been part of my life since childhood, but for a period of time I balanced it with work as a model, remaining a “half-time” artist. Eventually, I realized that modeling meant embodying and presenting other people’s ideas, while my true desire was to create and communicate my own. This understanding became decisive. I chose to pursue art as my full-time path so I could speak in my own visual language, express my thoughts, emotions, and observations, and share them authentically with the world. My practice is driven by a deep love for drawing and painting, and by the belief that art is a powerful form of communication. Creating allows me not only to express myself, but also to connect with others, evoke reflection, and share ideas that matter to me.

Artist Statement

I explores social issues and the emotional depth of human experience through my artworks. My portraits aim to uncover the inner world of people - their emotions, thoughts, and the invisible stories behind their faces. I strive to capture not just appearances, but the essence of a person - their soul, their background, and the silent truths that define who they are. Alongside my human portraits, I also paint animals, especially dogs, who have always been an important part of my life. Through my dog series, I reflect on themes of compassion and social awareness, drawing attention to the problem of homeless animals and their place in our shared world. For me, these works are about the connection between humans and all living beings. In some of my artworks, I also explore the national identity of Kazakhstan that shape my own sense of belonging. While not all of my works are directly connected to this theme, it remains an essential part of my artistic path and personal dedication. Through all my paintings, I aim to invite the viewer into an honest dialogue - about humanity, kindness, and the shared emotional space we inhabit.