Cave Monasteries 1997

Eleonora Brigalda Barbas' "Cave Monasteries" depicts dwellings carved directly into the rock, spaces representing both shelter and spiritual retreat. The architectural motif of the cave is an enduring one. As a symbol of refuge, the cave has ancient roots, evoking primal images of protection, secrecy, and the womb-like safety of the earth's interior. Think of Plato's allegorical cave, where shadows distort reality, or the caves of early Christian hermits seeking divine communion through isolation. Through the ages, the cave has resurfaced, evolving from a literal space of safety to a complex symbol of inner exploration. It invites us to consider the interplay between the external world and our inner psychological landscapes, between the need for shelter and the desire for spiritual insight. Its presence echoes through time, reminding us of humanity's constant quest for meaning and solace.