“People May Not Know Our Faces, But They Know Our Art”: Almaty Artist on Street Art and the New Kasteev Mural

Kazakhstan — A striking new mural dedicated to Abylkhan Kasteev, the founding father of Kazakh fine arts, has transformed a building facade in the town of Zharkent. The massive artwork was created by Almaty-based artist Olzhas Rizabek, leader of the street art collective Koriniswall.

In an exclusive interview with Tiek.kz, the master with a spray can discussed the significance of this new project, the lifespan of outdoor paintings, and why street art successfully erases the boundaries between the creator and the public.

Honoring a Legend in His Homeland

According to Olzhas, this is the team’s second major project in Zharkent, following a previous portrait of the eminent singer and composer Danesh Rakishev. However, the location for Kasteev’s portrait carries immense cultural weight.

“Kasteev is the founder of Kazakh fine arts and a native of the Zharkent region,” Rizabek noted. “For us as artists, painting his portrait in his homeland is both a great honor and a colossal responsibility. We strived for the absolute highest quality and are incredibly proud of the result.”

Project Facts & Figures:

• Materials: The project required over 20 cans of aerosol spray and 5 buckets (9 liters each) of exterior emulsion—totaling 45 liters of paint.

• Preparation: Custom shades were specifically tinted using machinery in Almaty and then carefully transported to Zharkent.

• Timeline: The towering mural was completed in just two days by Rizabek and his Koriniswall teammate, Zhangeldy.

Built to Last: The Lifespan of Street Art

A common question surrounding street art is its durability against the elements. According to Olzhas, with the right technology, a mural can captivate onlookers for many years. The team uses specialized exterior paints engineered to withstand direct UV sunlight, heavy precipitation, extreme summer heat, and winter frosts.

“We personally guarantee our work for five years, while the paint manufacturer guarantees its properties for up to ten,” the artist explained. “If the wall was prepped correctly and the paint applied properly, the mural won’t lose its vibrant colors or original look for a very long time.”

Taking Art to the Streets: The Koriniswall Journey

Olzhas and his team have been actively shaping Kazakhstan’s visual landscape for five years. They began with indoor commissions—cafes, schools, and enclosed spaces—before gradually scaling up to massive building facades. Today, especially during the summer season, outdoor murals are their primary focus.

The true beauty of street art, Rizabek argues, is its accessibility.

“Our work isn’t just seen by a couple of people in a closed room; it’s viewed by thousands of citizens every single day.”

Furthermore, these large-scale projects serve as a powerful stimulus for creative and professional growth, allowing the artists to travel extensively and connect with communities across Kazakhstan.

The Koriniswall footprint is expanding rapidly. The team has left its mark in nearly every corner of the country, with only Karaganda and Petropavlovsk currently missing from their portfolio—a gap they intend to close soon.

Among their most recognizable works, Olzhas highlights a towering mural on a high-rise in Astana and a poignant tribute to firefighters in Taraz.

“Every mural is special to us,” he reflects. “It happens often that people might not know our faces, but they recognize our work at first glance. It is through these paintings that we have truly gained our popularity among the people and on social media.”