Conceptual narrative:

"BENAGIL CAVE" this work is a monumental sculpture executed in a high-relief technique. This new series of circular bas-reliefs (tondos)—each 40 cm in diameter—serves as a radical exploration of the tectonic power and brutalist aesthetic of the Portuguese Atlantic coast. Within the composition, deep "subterranean" craters, jagged edges, layered strata, and concentric lines evoke the sense of timeless, ancient artifacts. With a relief depth of up to 5 cm and an overall thickness of 7 cm, these pieces transcend conventional wall decor, becoming monumental artifacts that appear as though carved by nature itself.
In this series, the artist eschews vibrant color in favor of the raw, primordial tectonics of stone. The coarse, porous texture of dark basalt contrasts with deep fissures filled with a glossy, near-black substance. This technique creates a captivating "wet stone" effect—reminiscent of ocean water trapped within narrow rocky canyons following a storm. The dramatic intensity of the composition is heightened by shimmering copper and bronze accents tucked deep within the pores, echoing the traces of rare minerals found in natural rock.
These works possess a powerful magnetism and a physically palpable volume. The series can be arranged as a triptych, forming a cohesive composition of three bas-reliefs. Due to the extreme depth of the relief, the triptych casts dense, profound shadows; its appearance shifts dramatically depending on the lighting—ranging from stark and graphic under direct illumination to mysterious and iridescent in the dim light.

Visual and Sculptural Impact:

The piece has a total thickness of 7 cm; its surface is intricately crafted with multi-layered carved elements and reliefs ranging from 3 to 5 cm in depth. The texture forms a complex, tactilely engaging bas-relief, accented with high-quality gold leaf and enriched with vibrant, water-based acrylic pigments. A premium, glossy, hypoallergenic resin has been poured into the recesses of the relief, creating a distinctive "wet surface" effect.

Technique and Craftsmanship:

This piece is handcrafted through a meticulous, weeks-long process of sculptural modeling and detailed artistic refinement. It is built upon a durable art board, with an internally reinforced structure that ensures absolute structural integrity and prevents any deformation over time. The complex, biomorphic relief is crafted using high-grade polymer compounds, followed by extensive manual refinement—including intricate carving and final detailing—to create striking contrasts between rugged textures, micro-craters, and smooth, sweeping ridges. The work is then finished with high-strength gypsum-based compounds and structural plasters, painted, gilded, and partially coated with museum-grade resin and protective varnishes to ensure maximum longevity and resistance to UV radiation.