MATRЁSHKA by LYM

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LYM ART — Combining art and technology.

MATRЁSHKA by LYM

MATRЁSHKA is our original reimagining of a symbol deeply rooted in Russian culture — one that carries the genetic code of tradition while being the creation of a specific author.

In this installation, we delve into the essence of the matryoshka, deconstructing its layers — levels of reality — synchronizing with ancestral energy and crystallizing our thoughts into patterns of light.

MATRЁSHKA is a dynamic kinetic installation composed of seven illuminated layers, each rotating independently to create a variety of visual and auditory scenarios.

Each layer is equipped with pixel-mapped LED strips (1,319 pixels on the outer contour alone) and features its own motorized drive, enabling autonomous rotation around its axis.

The installation weighs approximately 500 kg and stands 3.5 meters tall.

Technology

A unique endless rotation mechanism, developed by the LYM laboratory’s engineering bureau, enables the autonomous movement of each of MATRЁSHKA’s seven layers.

Rotation System

A secured two-layer inflatable dome serves both a decorative function and protection from the elements. Evenly stretched 7 meters from the central mechanism, it is anchored by seven tension cables to 750 kg counterweights for wind resistance.

Between the layers, we integrated 12 lighting fixtures, a smoke machine, four speakers with an amplifier, and four ventilation units that maintain the dome’s form.

The dome weighs approximately 500 kg and stands 8 meters tall.

Dome

MATRЁSHKA symbolizes the diversity of possibilities in a multidimensional world, where the fusion of energies gives rise to new forms and directions for the development of both technology and art.

"The power of a human is love. And it carries them through the centuries. The power of love creates a person, and it is born within them when harmony matures inside them. Love is harmony, and the human journey toward it follows seven paths."

© Concordia Antarova, Two Lives

Philosophy

We began with the understanding that the matryoshka is an authored creation. We are devoted to the principle of authorship in our work and life, creating unique projects that carry a distinct signature. Isn’t it remarkable how one artist created a national symbol and a powerful piece of cultural branding?

Authorship

Infinity

The matryoshka embodies the idea of infinity — the absence of a final point in the journey of our souls.

Symbolism

Each nested doll represents our boundless inner potential and the constant need to seek and discover who we truly are. The matryoshka teaches us that what lies within can be even more beautiful than what is on the surface.

Inner Potential

The structure of the matryoshka shows that we all originate from something greater than ourselves, and that our actions affect those around us (the smaller versions). This idea emphasizes the importance of living with awareness and understanding how our choices impact others.

Interconnection

The toy’s name, Matryoshka, comes from Matryona — one of the most common names of the time — which in turn derives from the Latin mater, meaning “mother.” Motherhood and birth, like the structure of the toy itself, are linked to the concepts of rebirth and renewal.

Birth

The seven layers symbolize the multifaceted nature of life, versatility, and the layered nature of thought.

Seven as perfection. Seven reflects the mystical nature of the human being: 7 = 3 (mind, soul, spirit) + 4 (world: earth, water, fire, air). Seven is the number of the Universe, the macrocosm — representing wholeness and unity.

Seven days of creation, seven days of the week, seven heavens, seven chakras, seven musical notes, seven colors of the rainbow, and even the root of the word "family" in Russian (sem'ya) begins with "seven" (sem').

Seven Layers

MATRЁSHKA symbolizes the diversity of possibilities in a multidimensional world, where the fusion of energies gives rise to new forms and directions for the development of both technology and art.

"The power of a human is love. And it carries them through the centuries. The power of love creates a person, and it is born within them when harmony matures inside them. Love is harmony, and the human journey toward it follows seven paths."

© Concordia Antarova, Two Lives

Philosophy

We began with the understanding that the matryoshka is an authored creation. We are devoted to the principle of authorship in our work and life, creating unique projects that carry a distinct signature. Isn’t it remarkable how one artist created a national symbol and a powerful piece of cultural branding?

Authorship

Infinity

The matryoshka embodies the idea of infinity — the absence of a final point in the journey of our souls.

Symbolism

Each nested doll represents our boundless inner potential and the constant need to seek and discover who we truly are. The matryoshka teaches us that what lies within can be even more beautiful than what is on the surface.

Inner Potential

The structure of the matryoshka shows that we all originate from something greater than ourselves, and that our actions affect those around us (the smaller versions). This idea emphasizes the importance of living with awareness and understanding how our choices impact others.

Interconnection

The toy’s name, Matryoshka, comes from Matryona — one of the most common names of the time — which in turn derives from the Latin mater, meaning “mother.” Motherhood and birth, like the structure of the toy itself, are linked to the concepts of rebirth and renewal.

Birth

The seven layers symbolize the multifaceted nature of life, versatility, and the layered nature of thought.

Seven as perfection. Seven reflects the mystical nature of the human being: 7 = 3 (mind, soul, spirit) + 4 (world: earth, water, fire, air). Seven is the number of the Universe, the macrocosm — representing wholeness and unity.

Seven days of creation, seven days of the week, seven heavens, seven chakras, seven musical notes, seven colors of the rainbow, and even the root of the word "family" in Russian (sem'ya) begins with "seven" (sem').

Seven Layers

For the installation, we created an extraordinary musical score woven from recordings of traditional folk instruments — balalaika, gusli, and wind instruments — and the voices of soloists preserving the legacy of authentic folk singing.

This fusion of rare folk instruments and voices recreates a sonic palette that immerses the listener in different eras and emotional states of the Russian soul, all brought together in the MATRЁSHKA by LYM project.

The soundscape was brought to life by soloists from leading folk ensembles of Russia.

Music

Polina Eliseiskaya, Ethno-Fusion project Polyushka. Participant of the TV show All Together Now (Nu-ka vse vmeste) on Russia 1. Laureate of Russian and international folk culture competitions, including Golden Voice of Russia. Recipient of the Russian Ministry of Defence Medal "Participant in Combat Operations in Syria" and the Silver Medal "For Faith and Kindness." Soloist of the Pyatnitsky State Academic Russian Folk Choir (2009−2019).

Olesya Aniskovich — Laureate of Russian and international folk culture competitions. Recipient of the Russian Ministry of Defence Medal "Participant in Combat Operations in Syria" and the Silver Medal "For Faith and Kindness." Performer with one of Russia’s leading folk ensembles.

Viktoria Mukhacheva — Laureate and Grand Prix winner of Russian and international competitions. Featured in the Best People of Russia encyclopedia. Recipient of the Russian Ministry of Defence Medal "Participant in Military Operations in Syria." Performer with one of Russia’s leading folk ensembles.

Artem Mukhachev — Laureate of Russian and international competitions, gold medalist of the Delphic Games. Recipient of the Russian Ministry of Defence Medal. Performer with one of Russia’s leading folk ensembles.

Folk Vocals

Sergey Chetoev — Wind instruments, including rare ethnic pieces. Soloist of the Osipov National Academic Orchestra of Russian Folk Instruments and soloist with Alexander Yakovlev’s Grand Melody Orchestra.

Konstantin Zakharato — Balalaika. Laureate of international and Russian competitions, soloist of the Osipov National Academic Orchestra of Russian Folk Instruments, and soloist with the Grand Melody Orchestra.

Albina Starshinova — Gusli. Laureate of international and Russian competitions, soloist of the Kupina Gusli Ensemble, and soloist of the Sadko State Academic Russian Music and Theatre Ensemble.

Folk Instruments