Masha Babko (b. 1992, Irkutsk) grew up on the banks of the Angara River, a landscape that would later infiltrate her practice through recurring motifs of fauna, forest, and the muted palette of the Siberian taiga. After completing a BFA at the Irkutsk State Academy of Fine Arts (2014), Babko moved to Moscow, where she joined the collective “1st Studio”—a loose network of emerging artists who share a common interest in low‑tech, hand‑made objects that blur the line between fine art and design. The collective’s manifesto emphasizes “material honesty” and “cultural bricolage,” encouraging members to work in series that can be reproduced as affordable objects (posters, pins, magnets) without sacrificing conceptual depth.
The mention of "1st Studio Magnet" further deepens the intrigue surrounding Masha Babko. A studio often implies a space for creativity, experimentation, and production. When combined with "magnet," it suggests a place or entity that attracts talent, ideas, and perhaps even audiences. This could be a creative project, a brand, or even a community she is associated with, aimed at drawing people in with its unique offerings or vibe. Masha Babko Siberian Mouse 1st Studio Magnet
Babko welcomed Masha into her studio and showed her around. As they walked through the room, Masha saw magnets that depicted brave hunters, playful reindeer, and even a group of children ice-skating on a frozen pond. With each magnet, Babko shared the stories behind them, tales of courage, friendship, and the beauty of the Siberian wilderness. Masha Babko (b