Dinara Smailova

Dina Tansari (Dina Smailova) is a world-renowned human rights defender, artist, and political refugee whose work serves as a visual archive of resistance and survival. As the founder of the global #NeMolchi (#Don’tBeSilent) movement, Smailova’s leadership has resulted in over 350 criminal convictions and landmark legislative reforms in Central Asia.

Recognized three times by UN Women as one of the "Women Who Changed the World," and ranked among the most influential women by Forbes 2024, Smailova began her artistic journey in the summer of 2024. Her debut was meteoric: her first solo exhibition, "Reflection" (Almaty, 2024), was a near-total sell-out, with the majority of the collection acquired by a single prominent entrepreneur for a private collection. To date, she has sold over 80 original works to private collectors.

Her landmark series, "The Black Trees," was showcased in Montenegro (2025) in partnership with UNHCR and the Red Cross. Currently based in Europe, Dina continues to translate court transcripts and human rights testimonies into a stark, graphic language.

Philanthropic Mission: 100% of the artist’s proceeds from the "Black Trees" collection are dedicated to establishing the Break Silence Worldwide international fo...

Professional education in Fashion Design and Garment Technology. In my earlier career, I successfully owned and operated a private garment production facility, designing and selling my own clothing lines. Since 2024, my artistic practice has transitioned into Art Activism, where I apply my technical background in form, line, and structure to create symbolic narratives of resistance and healing. My approach is uniquely informed by decades of human rights advocacy and a profound understanding of the human spirit.

2024 – "Reflection" (Solo Exhibition), Almaty, Kazakhstan. Organized by the #NeMolchi Foundation within the "16 Days Against Gender Violence" campaign.

2025 – "The Black Trees" (Solo Exhibition), Montenegro. Organized in partnership with UNHCR and the Red Cross.