NATALYA MOUGENOT

Natalya Mougenot is a contemporary artist of Russian origin, born and raised in Kazakhstan, who draws upon her multicultural background and personal experiences to explore themes of identity, freedom, and resilience in her art after relocating to France.

Discover more about Natalya and her artistic journey

Natalya is a contemporary artist of Russian descent, was born and raised in Kazakhstan in 1981 ( at that time part of the Soviet Union). Her hometown is Pavlodar, which is located in northeastern Kazakhstan, 450 kilometers from the capital, Astana. Natalya spent a pleasant upbringing in the country, which has a rich and diverse culture that includes Kazakhs, Russians, Uzbeks, Tatars, and Ukrainians. Growing up in a multicultural environment allowed her to appreciate the beauty of diversity and the richness of various traditions, languages, and customs. Her experiences in school which occured during the Sovient Union era, where conformity was mandated through identical uniforms, fueled her desire to break free from societal constraints. The mandatory uniforms and the emphasis on uniformity in the Soviet Union served as a catalyst for her desire to express herself freely. These early experiences shaped her artistic vision, driving her to explore themes of identity, freedom, and the celebration of differences in her work.

Natalya lost her grandmother when she was just 22 years old, having been raised by her. Her grandmother played a significant role in Natalya’s life, instilling important values such as authenticity, personal responsibility, financial independence as a woman, and the importance of being supportive. Her grandmother passed away from cancer, which was a profound loss for Natalya. As a result, she is particularly sensitive to the topic of cancer.

Natalya’s journey is a testament to resilience and adaptability. Her early years in music and photography laid a creative foundation that has likely influenced her perspective on life. The decision to pursue International Relations and Law in Russia ( in the city of Novosibirsk, which is in the heart of Siberia ) her intellectual curiosity and desire to engage with the world on a broader scale.

Relocating to France in 2003 marked a significant turning point for her. Navigating a new language and culture can be daunting, yet it often leads to profound personal growth. The challenges she faced while switching careers illustrate her determination to find her place in a foreign land. Each transition, while difficult, likely contributed to her evolving identity and strengthened her resolve.

Her marriage and subsequent divorce in 2017 added another layer of complexity to her life. Starting over as a single mother can be both challenging and liberating, allowing for new opportunities and experiences. Through it all, Natalya’s passion for music, photography, and her academic background in international commerce and applied languages have likely equipped her with the skills and perspective needed to navigate her path forward. As a result, after enduring a lengthy seven-year divorce, now Natalya appears to champion women’s empowerment through financial independence, a crucial issue that allows women to make impactful decisions for themselves and their children, ultimately helping them escape harmful circumstances and achieve their aspirations. That is why the theme of women is an important focus in Natalya’s art. In her series dedicated to women, she aims to highlight the multifaceted roles that modern women embody. Today, a modern woman is often seen as someone who can succeed in various areas of life, skillfully balancing family responsibilities, career ambitions, and personal hobbies.

Today, Natalya embodies the spirit of someone who has embraced change and used her experiences to build a fulfilling life in France, blending her artistic passions with her professional aspirations.

During this challenging period, she stumbled upon painting as a form of expression and escape. Initially, she enrolled in a local art class, hoping to learn the basics and find solace in creativity. The act of mixing colors and applying brush to canvas became a therapeutic outlet for her emotions, allowing her to channel her struggles into something beautiful.

As she painted, she found herself lost in the process, the worries of her legal battles fading away with each stroke. The vibrant colors she splashed onto the canvas mirrored the complexity of her feelings—pain, hope, resilience—and through this artistic journey, she began to reclaim a sense of herself that had been overshadowed by the turmoil of her divorce.

Over time, her passion for painting grew, leading her to explore different styles and techniques. She joined online art communities, where she connected with others who shared her enthusiasm and provided support. This newfound hobby not only offered her a distraction but also a sense of belonging and purpose.

As the years passed and the legal battles finally came to an end, painting remained a significant part of her life. It became a way for her to celebrate her journey, capturing her triumphs and struggles on canvas. Her art evolved into a powerful testament to her resilience, and she even began to showcase her work at local galleries, inspiring others who had faced similar challenges.

Through painting, she discovered not only a hobby but a pathway to healing, empowerment, and self-expression. It helped her redefine her identity as a woman and a mother, reminding her that even in the darkest times, she had the strength to create something beautiful.

Her artistic path as an artist was not without challenges, but her dedication and love for her craft propelled her forward. She invested time in honing her skills, experimenting with different styles and techniques, which helped her develop a unique voice in the art world.

As her reputation grew, she started to receive invitations to exhibit her work in galleries and art fairs, where she connected with other artists and art enthusiasts. Social media played a significant role in her success; it allowed her to showcase her paintings to a broader audience and engage with collectors directly.

With each sale, her confidence soared, and she began to explore new themes and mediums, pushing the boundaries of her creativity. Her artwork reflects her experiences, emotions, and the world around her, resonating deeply with those who view it.

Today, she not only creates stunning pieces but also inspires aspiring artists through workshops and online tutorials, sharing her journey and encouraging others to pursue their passions. Her story is a testament to the power of following one’s dreams and the beauty of art in connecting people across the globe.

Her artworks can be found in private collections across the United States, Australia, Europe, and Kazakhstan.

Natalya’s adventure into the world of art reflects her innate curiosity and desire for understanding. By enrolling in private art classes, she has taken a proactive step towards honing her skills and discovering her artistic voice. Collaborating with Dasha Pogodina in 2023, an art coach/mentor, provided her with valuable guidance and mentorship, allowing her to dind her unique style which resonates most with her. Dasha’s insights and feedback helped Natalya refine her work, pushing her boundaries and encouraging her to think critically about her art.

In addition to her painting, Natalya is a passionate photographer. Her photographic work—also showcased here—reflects the same poetic and observational sensibility found in her paintings. Through photography, she captures the quiet beauty of everyday moments. For Natalya, photography is both a source of inspiration and a means of presence, often serving as visual studies for future paintings or as compelling works in their own right.