Art and Architecture: Inside Ra Paulette's 'Luminous Caves'

By Marvie Basilan, Christian Post Contributor Thursday, December 17, 2015

In what could be one of the most spectacular sites in the history of art and architecture, Ra Paulette has opened the doors of his artwork for the world to see.

Paulette is a cave-digger and a sculptor, and for almost 30 years, he was able to create a whole bunch of tunnels carved through with stunning designs. He calls his works "luminous caves" as they seem to illuminate in the presence of light.

With the use of pick axes, shovels, and scrapers, Paulette carved the sandstone walls within cliffs and came up with such glorious art that is now being acclaimed worldwide.

With staircases, windows, and doors, the caves have been structured to provide ventilation and natural light for people who will visit. The inner surfaces are carved with various designs, from delicate flowers to tree trunks.

Paulette's art is aimed at pursuing "spiritual renewal and personal well being" while exploring the tunnels. Several people have already visited the site and expressed the feeling of peace and rejuvenation while inside the sandstone walls.

Director Jeffrey Karoff worked with Paulette to provide people with the basics of his art. In the documentary released last year, the 69-year-old said, "These caves are designed as transformative spaces."

According to CNN, Karoff experienced the rebirth that Paulette said is the purpose of his art. Aside from knowing that the chambers and tunnels will surely be an eye-catching piece to introduce to the world, he created the documentary to let the world know of the story of a man who continues to challenge himself with completing his masterpiece.

Called "Cavedigger," the documentary tells Paulette's rough journey and the long road to completing his vision of providing artists and other people with a sanctuary or place of meditation.

After seeing one of his cave roofs collapse, Paulette declared that his work was unsafe for people. However, he took his experience as a challenge and started another cave-digging journey to finish a new cave system that he calls his "magnum opus."

The aged artist is still years away from completing his final task, away from the eye of the media, but he has an entire world of support behind him as he digs and carves for the love of art.