Thorns "The Light Within" | Hortence Brouwn

These sculptural lamps, crafted from zumpiña (the word for thorns in Papiamentu), are known as the Lamps of Thorns. They embody the central theme of finding light within adversity.

The lamps are part of Curaçao’s largest art installation, the Cathedral of Thorns. The Cathedral of Thorns is a full-scale, walkable labyrinth constructed entirely from natural thorns. Illuminated from within, it invites visitors on an immersive journey through history— confronting painful truths while revealing a path toward hope and transformation.

The thorns, both beautiful and menacing, symbolize this duality. Designed by acclaimed artist Herman van Bergen—recipient of the 2023 International Sculpture Award and the prestigious Cola Debrot Award in 2016—the cathedral integrates symbols from major world religions as well as ancient nature-based beliefs, encouraging a sense of shared humanity and spiritual connection.
Throughout the labyrinth, niches display contemporary artworks by guest artists, showcasing human creativity as a powerful force for collaboration and change.
The space also serves as a stage for performances, further enriching its cultural and communal significance. Constructed with the help of unemployed youth, this evolving artwork unites all of Van Bergen’s previous thorn-inspired creations into a monumental tribute to Mother Nature and the Free Spirit—a call to transformation through creativity