MARU$YA KAZAKOVA
aka BABAЯGA
Marusya Kazakova is a multidimensional artist based in New York. Artist’s practice spreads across the disciplines of Fashion, Visual, Mystical & Healing Arts. Being born in Siberia, Russia, she then moved across the Globe to pursue Fashion Design education, finalizing this long term journey with Masters of Fine Art Degree in «Fashion & Society» from Parsons School of Design.
After arriving to NYC, the artist dedicated her work to support local communities and co-created her first NYC show «Unite» (2015) in Bushwick with Brooklyn based models, dancers and musicians, featuring Kazakova’s designs from her Fashion schools projects. The next show was Kazakova’s graduate collection «The Displaced» (2016): this collection underlined the urgency of racial equality, pushed the boarders of diversity and sustainability in Fashion Industry and launched the creation of JAHNKOY - Kazakova’s craftivist art/fashion practice.
Kazakova then became the resident at the Restoration-Art Cultural Center & was supported by PUMA. Such partnership has resulted in creation of several large scale projects. The work was realized through the creation of fashion shows, exhibitions, community events and workshops. The shows were held in New York, Moscow, Cape town, Beijing, Sao Paolo and Rio de Janeiro.
JAHNKOY was selected in "Final 8" of LVMH Prize (2017), Marusya was listed in Forbes "30 under 30" in «Art & Style» (2018) and chosen, as one of the "12 Apostles" of Esquire in Art Category (2021). JAHNKOY showcased 2 collections at the CFDA Emerging Designer Runway platform and was part of CFDA and Accessories Council Elaine's Gold LaunchPad program. Kazakova’s work were presented at Bergdorf Goodman Men’s window displays & floor installation (New York, 2017), at Tomorrow Showroom (Paris, 2019) and was part of the group art show «Wavelength» (Beijing, 2017). Artist had solo-exhibitions at Museum of Decorative Arts (Moscow, 2018) & Fashion Institute of Technology (New York, 2019).
Following such success, Marusya faced a very challenging period in her life, which she calls "The dark night of the Soul". Managed to go through it, the artist decided to step out of the JAHNKOY brand and to continue her solo artistic practice. As well as to follow her true calling and step into her destined path - the path of the Shaman or rather Shamanka (as women Shamans are called in Russian language). Marusya took on a new name BABAЯGA [Baba Yaga] and chose to dedicate her life to the work of Spirit.
Marusya has chosen to devote her presence on Earth to assist other Souls on their own transformational journeys towards balance, peace, beauty and healing. To assist others on their own unique paths of self-discovery and true awakening. As an intuitive Marusya channels the messages from the Higher Realms to assist those who are looking for guidance. She provides Energy Healing Sessions, merging ancient and modern practices, to restore natural state of flow, to bring balance and healing to the individuals. Marusya crafts unique Artifacts, to assist them in such processes. She holds guided transformational programs, as well as group sessions and masterclasses.
In her artistic practice, Marusya continues to work on a conceptual project base, creating one-of-a-kind Paintings, Adornment and Performances.
Awards
Education
2020-2025
Oracle & Taro Readings,
Energy Field Healing,
Motanka Doll Craft,
Magic of Beeswax Candles
After a very active period of big shows and exhibitions and world travel with her work, Marusya began to study again. She have studied various disciplines including Oracle Cards & Taro, Motanka Dolls, Candle Magic and Energy Healing. In combination with Motherhood these studies has opened a new chapter in Marusya's Practice.
2014-2016
Masters of Fine Art
"Fashion & Society"
Parsons School of Design, New York
During graduation from CSM, Marusya got an offer from Parsons Masters degree to finalize her fashion education in New York, She has moved to the United States, which has laid the foundation for the next chapter in her creative journey.
2013-2014
Graduate Diploma in Fashion
Central Saint Martins, London
After completing BHSAD, she stayed in Moscow for one more year, during which she had worked in theatres, as a stylist, as well as started a streetwear brand. She then decided to continue her fashion education in the school she has dreamed for.
2008-2012
BA Hons in Fashion
British Higher School of Art & Design, Moscow
Marusya have left her university, where she have studied economics to pursue her dream to study Fashion Design. She has moved from Novosibirsk to Moscow, which has began her creative chapter.
Projects
Multidimensional $hows & Exhibitions
"$acred Ritual of Doll Making"
Restoration Art Cultural Center, Jahnkoy Studio, NYC, 2021
Intimate Doll Making Performance were held at the Jahnkoy Studio. The artist presented the collection of Motanka dolls, as well as 5 large Doll Sculptures.
"10 Years of Fashion $tudies"
Fashion Institute of Technology, NYC, 2019
Grand Solo exhibition were held at FIT, featuring full journey of Marusys's Fashion studies and work across the World.
"DECEIVED:No More"
"ME$$ENJAH"
Fashion Institute of Technology, NYC, 2019
Marusya's trilogy final show were held at FIT. Theatrical Fashion show has featured Nyc's dancing community, as well as Marusya's solo performance. The show were then repeated at Restoration Plaza for the local community.
"PUMA" Collaboration
Puma Flagship stores across the globe, 2019
Collaboration Collection came out featuring Marusya's artistic ornaments, intricate details and sustainable production. the opening events were held in NYC and Moscow with crafting workshops.
"DECEIVED:No More"
Museum of Decorative & Folk Arts, Moscow, 2018
Simultaneously with the NYC show, another show were created in Moscow to be show at the closing of the Football World Cup.The show was accompanied with the exhibition, showing Kazakova's full body of work.
CFDA "Emerging Designer Platform", NYC, 2018
Powerful collaboration continued with Marusya's biggest show thus far. She created new collection utilizing Puma garments and the theatrical performance featuring NYC dancers community, expanding the message of her work further.
"DI$PLACED: Crafting Revolution"
South Africa, China and Brazil, 2017
The collection has traveled to South Africa, China and Brazil, deepening the message behind Marusya's work and opening the Global dialog and collaboration.
"DI$PLACED"
Parsons MFA Graduation, Milk Studios, NYC, 2016
Parsons graduation show, where Marusya had shown the results of her 2 year long education with the collection "the Displaced" featuring the cast of her choice.
"DI$PLACED: Crafting Revolution"
CFDA "Emerging Designer Platform", NYC, 2017
Marusya has been supported by PUMA and became the Art Resident of Restoration Art Cultural Center. The show was the result of such a powerful triple collaboration.
"UNITE"
Fashun Tweek, NYC, 2015
Community show were held in Bushweek, showcasing Marusya's different School projects all together, featuring various talented people, that she met during her 1st year in NYC.