About the
Artist
Xeniya Volodina is an artistic braiding artist from Kazakhstan, a seven-time braiding champion and a representative of her country at international championships. Through braiding, she creates not simply hairstyles, but artistic images that bring together culture, history, and contemporary art.
In her work, Xeniya seeks to express the beauty of feminine strength, character, and national identity. Her art is inspired by the history of Kazakhstan, its traditions, and the strong women of its past. The image of Tomyris has become a symbol for her of independence, wisdom, and the inner strength of women.
The Works
Tomyris
Tomyris is a powerful example of a historical warrior woman whose story continues to inspire us today. She embodies female strength and independence. As the queen of the Massagetae, she was able to stand against the mighty Persian Empire and defeat Cyrus the Great himself. But her strength was not limited to her skills as a warrior: Tomyris was also a wise ruler who managed to unite and protect her people. It was these qualities, strength, intelligence, and leadership, that form the very foundation of the Girl Power concept.
The image of Tomyris is especially close to Kazakh culture, but her story inspires women all over the world. Female strength is timeless, from ancient times to the present day. Every woman can be like Tomyris: strong, wise, and inspiring.
Model: Togzhan Issatayeva (@issatayevatogzhan). Photographer: Alexander Shirokov (@photo_alex_kz).
See you in Paris
HD Contemporary Art Gallery, 45 Rue Vivienne, Paris. October 12, 2026.