Inspired by the raw beauty of Curaçao’s natural thorns, artist Herman van Bergen transforms what often seems harsh into something extraordinary. His most celebrated creation, the Cathedral of Thorns, is the island’s largest art installation: a monumental labyrinth of thorns, illuminated from within, taking visitors on a journey of reflection and transformation.

Born in the Netherlands and based in Curaçao, Van Bergen is a versatile visual artist whose paintings, sculptures, and installations reveal the mystical within the everyday. His vision and impact on the island’s cultural life have earned him Curaçao’s highest cultural honor, the Cola Debrot Award (2016), as well as the International Sculpture Award (2023).

Van Bergen’s work not only connects nature and spirituality but also brings people together. The Cathedral of Thorns, built with the help of local youth, also serves as a stage for contemporary art and performances, celebrating creativity as a force for community and change.