The Kind Babai (The Kind Bogeyman)

Добрый бабай

110x110 cm.

cold wax, oil

2024

The Babai – a childhood scare.
“If you don’t behave, the Babai will take you away.”
But in Turkic languages, “babai” actually means grandfather.
What could be safer and warmer than a grandfather, full of wisdom and kindness?
My “Kind Babai” is a symbol of acceptance, home, reliability, and safety.
The Babai – frighteningly kind.