The Luminous Chapel (Wonder Matches & Miracle Beads) (2013) Σκίτσο από Анатолий Жамойдо

Title: The Luminous Chapel (Wonder Matches & Miracle Beads)
Artists: Zhamoido Anatolii & Bulba Natalia
Original Design: 2008
Completion: 2013
Dimensions:
• Object: 110 × 90 × 120 mm
• Platform: 140 mm (diameter), 180 mm (height)
• Package: 145 mm (diameter) × 180 mm (height)
Weight: 0.35 kg
Medium:
• Eternity
• Matches
• Wire, glue
• Beads and Decorative Elements:
 – Swarovski crystals
 – Japanese seed beads (Toho)
 – Czech seed beads (Preciosa Ornela)
 – Wooden beads. Microbeads
 – Adhesive beads
 – Natural stones and beads
 – Amber (3 distinct types)
• Toothpicks
• Glitter
• Mirror
• 1 DVD disc and a plastic case (from a 100-disc set)
• Computer graphics
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Ukrainian art remains largely unknown to the world. And yet, it has deep roots and—in its highest expressions—ranks alongside the great achievements of global culture.
This Orthodox-style chapel (its prototype stands in Kharkiv, Ukraine) may not belong to the canon of world-renowned monuments, yet it lends itself beautifully to being recreated in matchsticks. Matchsticks bear an uncanny resemblance to the logs used in the construction of the original chapel.
The chapel is surrounded by miniature lilac and rose bushes, intricately handwoven from beads.
The chapel may be dedicated to any saint—female, male, all saints at once, or even to the Holy Spirit. This choice is left to the viewer’s own heart. The structure itself is not tied to any single denomination.
This work is part of the exhibition (and book) God in the Palm of the Hand. Two artists and two artistic traditions came together to reimagine iconic architectural monuments across cultures and epochs:
– the Egyptian Gates of Ra,
– the Persian Eastern Palace,
– the Jewish Temple of Solomon,
– the Hindu Lakshmi Temple,
– the Buddhist Kalachakra Stupa,
– the Islamic Taj Mahal,
– the Greek Temple of Athena,
– the Chinese Temple of Dao and De,
– the European Gothic Cathedral,
– the Japanese Shogun’s Castle,
– the Ukrainian Orthodox Chapel,
– the Ancient Rus’ Golden Gates,
– and the Moscow St. Basil’s Cathedral.
The core of each miniature is built from matchsticks. Surrounding sculptures—from gods and goddesses to ships, lotuses, cannons, trees, and radiant domes—are fashioned from beads and stones. Details too small for physical modeling are rendered with computer graphics and microbeads.
The creators did not aim to make exact copies of existing monuments. Rather, these are artistic impressions—modern visions echoing the spirit that inspired the original master builders.
The name of the collection, God in the Palm of the Hand, is not an exaggeration. Each of these miniature temples—each a symbol of the One—fits easily in the palm.
The project is accompanied by nearly 100 photographs and 15 short films—offering both a detailed look at the collection and a glimpse into a new direction in contemporary art. The publication also features interactive links that invite the viewer into the heart of the world's great civilizations.
After all, as the wise have said:
“To understand the present, one must first know the past.”
Originally developed as part of an educational project in the form of books and creativity kit published in Ukraine and RF (before the war), this version of the artwork represents a full realization of the concept. Its creation took approximately 3–4 weeks of full-time work. The object stands as both an artifact and an invitation: to rediscover wonder in the smallest materials and the slowest gestures.

A step-by-step illustrated guide to creating the matchstick cottage and beaded trees is available as a PDF and can be ordered directly from the author.
The guide is offered in Ukrainian or Russian (and can be easily translated into your preferred language — for example, by ChatGPT).
Price: €5.