Asya Kozina

Paper artist

Transforming paper into little miracles

Asya created a series of ethnic wedding dresses from paper
Her paper wigs featured in a Dolce & Gabbana fashion show
It takes her up to three weeks to make a single item

Intricate lace, sophisticated baroque wigs topped with sailboats, octopuses and flowers, state-of-the-art animal sculptures – the range of Asya Kozina’s paper art is astounding, and it is hard to believe all her works are made of paper. While studying decorative and applied art at Cherkasy National University in Ukraine, Asya tried her hand at different arts and crafts, from aquarelle painting and batik to woodcarving and marquetry, but it was paper which gave her the most fulfillment. Asya takes inspiration from the world of fashion, with Karl Lagerfeld and Jean-Paul Gaultier being particular idols. She is especially interested in ethnic clothing, including wedding dresses. Since 2012, Asya has worked with her husband Dmitry, a designer, who creates most of the sketches for future works.

Where

Interview

When did you make your first work?: As a child, actually. I was about ten years old, and my mother bought me some coloured paper and a pair of scissors, so I cut out a human figure. But I made a career decision in 2007, when I completed a course of paper design and made my first personal exhibition showing 23 miniature sculptures.
Why did you choose paper?: I love the feeling of creative liberty that a blank sheet of paper offers. It is a symbol of perfection and eternity. I started with a very precision-oriented, mathematical approach, using compass and ruler, but at some stage I just relaxed and let go. Now I just go with the flow!
What sparked your interest in ethnic wedding outfits?: An ethnic wedding outfit carries in itself the DNA of the entire culture and history of a country in a fascinating form. It tells you not only a story of a family but a story of a nation. And these stories are so rich in detail!
What tools and materials do you use?: I only use a scalpel, which feels like an extension of my hand. I thrive in that freedom, but it took me time to tame the paper. I began with ordinary paper but now use synthetic paper, which sustains rain and heat, and it really feels like anything is possible.

Asya Kozina is a master artisan: she began her career in 2006 and she started teaching in 2007