COLLABORATION

Aconcagua Collaboration

It was an honour for me and my cousin Zhamilya Bashirova to raise Kazakhstan’s flag on top of Aconcagua and take a painting by a renowned Kazakh Mouth Artist Mr K Kuyukov to the summit of this majestic mountain at 6,962m, the highest peak of both Americas. As all three of us were born and lived in close proximity to the borders of the Semipalatinskii Polygon, our Aconcagua climb’s aim was to share the story of the Polygon with the worldwide community.

On Mr K Kuyukov’s request the painting was gifted to a well known Argentinian Artist Miguel Doura, whose Art Gallery is recognised by the Guinness World Records as the highest gallery in the world. During Aconcagua’s climbing season (November-February), Miguel lives and paints at the Placa de Mulas Base Camp at the altitude of 4,300m.

In addition, I also carried to the top of Aconcagua a book “Words of Education” by a famous Kazakh poet, composer and a philosopher of the 19th century Abai Kunanbayev. He was born in Karaul village of Semipalatinskii region and to this day Abai remains one of the most inspirational and significant public figures in and beyond Kazakhstan.
Denali Collaboration

In 2024 Mr K Kuykov created a unique painting, called “On the summit”, especially for our mutual Denali Project. As Denali is located close to the Arctic Circle in Alaska and is considered to be one of the coldest places on Earth, I was worried if I could actually take it with me all the way.

However, it was a success, both the painting and I made it to the top of the highest peak in North America. It was also a proud moment to raise Kazakhstan’s flag on the summit and again I carried Abai’s book “Words of Education” to the top  of Denali at 6,194m.







Mr K Kuyukov was born in 1968 in the village Egyndybulak, 60 miles from the borders of the Semipalatinskii Polygon.

As a result of the genetic mutations caused by exposure to radiation from the Nuclear Tests, Karipbek was born with missing arms.

At school Karipbek was eager to learn and participate in all lessons and activities. He learnt to do everything using his feet and mouth, from sewing to swimming. Karipbek was particularly good at design technology, but it was the art that has become his passion.

In 1989 Karipbek became an activist of the Anti Nuclear Movement Semipalatinsk – Nevada and one of the symbols of this legendary initiative. He travelled the world from Japan to USA in support of the Anti Nuclear Movement. Karipbek held exhibitions in different cities across the globe.

Mr Kuyukov remains very passionate about the Nuclear Disarmament and is actively involved in many initiatives in Kazakhstan as well as internationally. In 2017 Mr Kuyukov was nominated for a Nobel Prize for all his work dedicated to Peace and in June 2024 he was appointed a Goodwill Ambassador of Kazakhstan.