PRESENTATION OF THE TEXTBOOK "PAINTING" HELD AT ABAI UNIVERSITY

Abai University hosted the presentation of the textbook "Painting." The event was attended by prominent figures of science and arts, university faculty members, and students. The author of the work is Tokkozha Kozhagulov, a graduate of Abai Kazakh National Pedagogical University.
The guests first visited the artist`s exhibition organized in the university`s main building. The exhibition featured the author`s artworks, portraits, and illustrations included in the textbook.

Opening the event with a congratulatory speech, Bolat Tilep, Chairman of the Board-Rector of Abai University, emphasized the innovative contribution of the textbook to the field of art studies. He honored the author - Professor of T.Zhurgenov Kazakh National Academy of Arts, Candidate of Pedagogical Sciences, Academician of the Kazakhstan Academy of Pedagogical Sciences and the Academy of Arts of the Republic of Kazakhstan, member of the USSR and Kazakhstan Union of Artists, laureate of the "Daryn" State Prize - Tokkozha Kozhagulov - by presenting him with a traditional Kazakh shapan.

"Your creative career is closely connected with Abai University. After receiving your education within the walls of this venerable institution, you spent many years teaching here and contributed significantly to the university`s development. Your expertise in portrait painting and your artworks are widely recognized in the creative community. We are always proud of graduates like you," said Bolat Anapiyauly.

Following this, the textbook "Painting" was officially launched. Based on the author`s extensive artistic and academic experience, the publication serves as an important resource in the professional teaching of fine arts.
Speakers such as academician Orazaly Sabden, Member of the Mazhilis of the Parliament of Kazakhstan Kazybek Isa, Chairman of the KazNPU Veterans Council Berikzhan Almakhambetov, artist Zhanuzak Musapir, and Professor Medeubek Tangirbergenov highlighted the importance of the textbook and elaborated on the author`s contribution to the field of art.

Another graduate of Abai University, the author`s classmate, poet and Member of the Mazhilis of the Parliament of Kazakhstan Kazybek Isa, added:
"Among the students who studied together in the Fine Arts and Graphics Faculty, I was the only one who became a poet. But Tokkozha Kozhagulov is close in spirit not only to painting but also to the art of words. He grew up in the land of Mukagali Makatayev and Berdibek Sokpakbaev. His paintings reflect national identity and color. His works carry the essence of a true patriot who deeply loves his people."
In his concluding remarks, the textbook`s author Tokkozha Mukazhanuly expressed gratitude to the university staff and noted that the "Painting" textbook is designed to support the professional development of young artists, offering rich theoretical and practical content.

For reference, Tokkozha Kozhagulov was born in 1962 in Almaty Region. He graduated from Abai Kazakh Pedagogical Institute in 1984. He began his career at the Zhambyl Pedagogical Institute, and since 1987 has worked at Abai University, progressing from assistant to department head and Director of the Institute of Arts, Culture, and Sports (2019).

Since 1987, he has participated in exhibitions and created portraits of such figures as Abai, Zhambyl, and Auezov. As the founder of the "TOBAISM" art direction, his personal exhibitions have received high praise both in Kazakhstan and abroad. Hundreds of his paintings are preserved in museums and private collections worldwide. He is the author of over 40 scientific articles, monographs, and textbooks.