The Spoils
2018
The recurring theme of cave mythology resurfaces in The Spoils, a prelude to the Atlas Obscura series (2019–2022). This sculptural series engages with the symbolic meanings of caves in religion, mythology, folklore, and modern psychology, particularly the mother archetype. Through a Jungian lens, the cave is explored as a symbol of birth, rebirth, and ego development.
Symbolically tied to the 'heart,' caves are seen as spaces where the self and ego converge, often representing secret passages to the underworld or contact points with hidden forces destined to emerge into light. In psychological terms, navigating a cave in dreams reflects the search for life’s meaning within the deep layers of the 'maternal unconscious,' a concept Jung associates with the security of the unconscious. Entering a cave is akin to re-entering the womb of Mother Earth.
In a broader context, Plato’s Allegory of the Cave, while not a true myth, serves as a metaphor for enlightenment. Prisoners perceive only shadows cast by artificial objects, mistaking them for reality. As one ascends towards the light, they gradually perceive the true nature of reality, culminating in the understanding of the Sun, symbolizing the realm of the intelligible and the forms. This allegory invites us to question appearances and consider deeper, often mystical, truths.