Steppe Palette by Nikolai Khlyudov

I'd like to start by mentioning that on the opening day of the exhibition "Steppe Palette," dedicated to the 175th anniversary of the artist's birth, nature in Almaty played a surprising role. Just an hour before the official ceremony, a snowstorm swept in, astonishing even the locals. However, despite the inclement weather, the central hall of the museum was packed with esteemed art historians, artists, students, and international guests—all eager to personally connect with the creative legacy of the painter.

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Today, the name of Nikolai Kludov is well-known as an outstanding artist who managed to capture the true essence of the indigenous people of Semirechye on his canvases. It is important to note that he did not limit himself to creativity alone; he left his mark as an ethnographer, local historian, member of the Turkestan circle of archaeology enthusiasts, and founder of the Semirechye branch of the Russian Geographical Society. Most importantly, he was one of the first to recognize and nurture the talents of artists such as Abilkhan Kasteev, Semyon Chuykov, and Alexey Bortnikov...

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Since 1910, Nikolai Gavrilovich dedicated himself to teaching. He worked as a drawing and drafting teacher at the Vernensky Higher Primary School, a teacher's seminary, and a girls' gymnasium. After the revolution, he began teaching at an agricultural technical school. From 1921 onwards, he became the head of a studio where aspiring artists learned. He is still regarded as the founder of the national school of painting.

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Traveling across the country, he created a large number of sketches and studies that captured the beauty of nature. A special place in his work is occupied by pieces that tell the story of the traditional culture and lifestyle of the Kazakh people from the 19th to the early 20th centuries.

– The world of Kludov's works is characterized by sincerity and vivid emotions, an ability to appreciate and capture the magnificence of nature and the diversity of national steppe traditions, – says Marzhan Junusova, head of the department for the preservation of the funds of the Republic of Kazakhstan. – His famous works are well-known to the public. One of them, "Rich Nomadism," opens our exhibition. Next, we see paintings such as "Collecting Firewood," "Herd Movement," "Milking," "Kazakh Women by the Fire," "Wool Spinning"... It should be noted that these realistic canvases, painted by him in the picturesque region of Semirechye, are distinguished by their multicolored palette. We understand that he truly loved the sun; he was attracted by the vibrant clothing of Eastern peoples. The artist has his own style and unique handwriting. All the portraits and figures depicted in his paintings precisely convey the mood—not only of his subjects but also of the artist himself. Here, one can sense joy, admiration, and delight...

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The most significant part of Kludov's creative legacy (211 works) is preserved in the collections of the Central State Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan, including 117 paintings, 39 pencil sketches, 55 watercolors, and three albums of studies. Many of the master's masterpieces are presented in the exhibition alongside personal items and photographic documentary materials. A number of watercolor works are being showcased for the first time. Two of them were brought to the museum thanks to law enforcement authorities intercepting their export abroad.

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Writer Yuri Dombrovsky, a true admirer of Nikolai Kludov, wrote: "He painted not only the steppes and mountains but also the degree of amazement and delight felt by everyone who first enters this extraordinary world. That is why each of his canvases rejoices and laughs with joy... I love Kludov for his freshness, for the fullness of life, for the beauty of the events he witnessed and transferred to canvas. I love him for the sunlight that shines on me from all his paintings. Or to put it more simply: I love and understand him as children love and understand wonderful greeting cards, shiny transfer pictures, and children's books with bright, lacquered covers."