The Light Well

After the experience started by the German artist, Joseph Beuys, the Chilean artist, Fernando Prats undertook a project called: “From the Cardener to Antarctica (2001- 2004)”. Prats sought to transport the essence of spirituality from its origins in the River Cardener (where Saint Ignatius had his Great Illumination) to Antarctica. In order to do this, he covered the inside of the Cave with paper and tape in order to capture the essence of the place and he transported this paper to Antarctica where it was buried under the ice. At the same time in Manresa, he dug a 15-metre deep well near the river Cardener, and physical evidence of Antarctica was deposited inside. The hole represents the will to arrive at the source of every inspiration. This well is covered by a lid in a spiral with a total of 117 names of people from different eras engraved on it. All have one thing in common: their encounter with mystical experiences at some point of their life. The artistic monument is known as the Light Well.