Matrona

This artwork is study of my heritage through a most recognized female archetype and iconic patterns from my culture. Remembering the true essence of this commonly recognized images: what temples were built for originally , before they became the symbol of power. Everyone knows what a Matryoshka or Russian nesting doll is…but do you know the meaning of its name? Back in the times, the doll wasn't actually called Matryoshka, but Matrona - mother. The true meaning of the doll is motherhood and the continuation of life. The biggest doll is called “mother”, the smallest one is called seed - the essence of existence. Matryoshka reminds us of matriarchal structure of families back in the times, significant role that Mothers had back then.

We all are like this big doll with our stories, relationships, experiences inside. The seed represents our soul which is innocent and it is the real essence of ourselves . The seed as an archetype represents potentiality, power, and the male principal. As a feminine symbol, the seed is fertility, life to be, and growth. The tree is all in one - symbol of the Center, from which the Cosmic Tree of Life grows. This tree from the seed growing in the center of the temple represents Life and consciousness itself. Church on her chest is reminder that the most sacred Temple is our body.

Dimensions 6750 x 9002 px, 600 dpi Digital painting