Gaudí Divine Dialogue
Join Aicart - Exploring Gaudí’s Legacy: How Faith, Nature , and Architecture Meet in the Timeless Mystery of the Sagrada Família.
As the Editorial team of Epochal Change, we believe that our free time, especially our vacations, unveils our true passions and values, unburdened by daily obligations and societal expectations. It's in these moments of leisure that we often find the most profound connections and insights.
With this in mind, we recently had the privilege of spending time with Professor Joan Aicart, one of the most original and expert guides on Antoni Gaudí's work in Barcelona. We hope that by sharing our conversation with Professor Aicart, we can enrich your summer travels to the Spanish city, particularly if you plan to explore Gaudí's architectural marvels.
Join us as we delve into the fascinating world of Gaudí through the eyes of Professor Aicart and discover how this knowledge can transform your experience of Barcelona's iconic landmarks.
EpochalChange - Professor Aicart, thank you for the opportunity to meet with you. Gaud’s Nativity scene shows the true meaning of Christmas. How has the modern holiday changed from its original meaning?
Joan Aicart—As a professor of history, philosophy, and religion at Loreto Abad Oliba College, I have a deep appreciation for Gaudí. Gaud’s Nativity façade is a great example of how he made important contributions to 20th-century art and architecture. It shows the truth and beauty of the nativity scene at a time when things were changing.
Today, Christmas is the most celebrated holiday in the world, although its deeper meaning is often lost. This widespread celebration, maybe based on numbers instead of understanding its meaning, has led to a certain trivialization of the holiday. At its core, however, Christmas remains the proclamation that God has become man.
The nativity scene, with its three doors that show hope, love , and faith, tells a story about God. It shows a God who’s come into our daily lives to keep the hope and faith of those who seek him alive. This message resonates with the millions of tourists who flock to Barcelona, attracted by the beauty and truth of the façade. Despite the commercialism of modern superficiality, the façade of the Nativity reminds us of the profound spiritual proclamation at the heart of Christmas.
EpochalChange: How did the Sagrada Familia project, initiated by the Association of St. Joseph, reflect the social and religious changes of 19th-century Barcelona?
Joan Aicart - Today, the Sagrada Familia is a symbol of profound change. Its origins go back to the 19th century, marked by significant social and religious changes. The founding idea for the Sagrada Familia came from the Association of St. Joseph, which sought to atone for the city's sins amid the tumultuous changes of the Industrial Revolution.
During this time, Barcelona experienced significant social changes. Workers often fought with their bosses and became more distant from religious groups. The late 1800s and early 1900s were very turbulent. Events like the sad week of 1909 and the attacks on the Church in 1936 were terrible.
The St. Joseph Association's initiative to build the Holy Family responded to these challenges. Its goal was to unite people from different social classes and restore a sense of spiritual connection. Even though there were problems at the time and more people were becoming secular, the Holy Family managed to bring together different groups. This showed that they all wanted to be saved and united.
The Sagrada Familia is a beautiful building that reflects Barcelona’s complex history. It shows the city’s struggles and dreams during significant change.
EpochalChange - How did the decision to build the Sagrada Familia as a temple of atonement influence its construction and Antoni Gaudí's transformation?
Joan Aicart - In this context, the decision to build a Temple of Atonement became fundamental. The idea was that we could change the world and realize its true potential by changing our perspective. The Sagrada Familia was built with this in mind. It was all paid for by donations from people who wanted to be forgiven for their sins. Amazingly, the association garnered the support of 500,000 members.
Construction officially began on St. Joseph's Day, 1881 (1882). At first, the diocesan architect Francisco Palau Villar was in charge.
One thousand eight hundred eighty-three; however, disagreements between him and the building committee led to his departure. Joan Martorell, a member of the committee and Gaudí's mentor, recommended Antoni Gaudí as his successor.
When Gaudí took over the project in 1883, his vision was completely different. His initial task was redesigning the crypt, but the project soon evolved. In 1890, a widow gave her entire money to the Sagrada Familia. This was a big sign for Gaudí. This project, initially approached from a professional point of view, became a profound personal journey for him.
Gaudí’s commitment to the Sagrada Familia made him very interested in faith. This led to his spiritual change. As Gaudí shaped the Sagrada Familia, the project profoundly shaped him, illustrating the symbiotic relationship between the architect and his work.
EpochalChange: How did Gaudí’s sensitive and dedicated work influence his design of the Sagrada Familia? How did this project affect his faith and health?
Joan Aicart - Gaudí’s sensitiveness greatly influenced his work. It showed his deep concern for those who used his creations. For example, the handles of Casa Batlló (known as the "House of the Self") are ergonomically designed to fit the human hand, demonstrating his meticulous attention to detail. This sense of responsibility also extended to his thinking about the Sagrada Familia: if a house should be designed with such care, a church, a house of God, should be even more so.
Gaudí's devotion to the Sagrada Familia went beyond architecture; it became a spiritual journey. He started to go to church and see reality as a way for the divine to show itself. He saw reality as a way for the Creator to use the universe to help him. Their plan was not to build a separate temple but to make a place where the universe changed, and nature helped the Creator.
When the crypt was finished, Gaudí had to make the temple bigger (when he was asked to build the Sagrada Familia), and he started a 40-day fast on bread and water. This shows how much he loved his job. Despite his frail health and suffering from arthritis, he continued until Bishop Torras intervened and urged him to stop. This episode underscores Gaudí's dual identity as a passionate genius and a saint devoted to his work.
Gaudí’s sensitive, dedicated , and changing faith greatly influenced his approach to the Sagrada Familia. The project not only defined his career but also shaped his spiritual life and ultimately affected his health.
EpochalChange - How did Gaudí’s work on the Sagrada Familia show his struggle with faith and humility? It differed from his earlier success as an architect for the Catalan rich people.
Joan Aicart - Gaudí’s journey with the Sagrada Familia was closely connected to his quest to make faith his own. Unlike his earlier projects for the wealthy Catalans, which were rich and had political power, the Sagrada Familia was based on the pain and faith of the working-class neighborhood in which it was built.
This contrast revealed a profound shift in Gaudí's approach and values.
In the 1880s and 1890s, Gaudí was the architect of choice for the Catalan elite, designing prestigious projects for wealthy and influential clients such as Mr. Batlló, Mr. Vila, and Mr. Calvet. His reputation soared, and pride and vanity could quickly have taken hold as he became a household name. The Sagrada Familia, however, presented a different challenge. Unlike his previous projects, he had no substantial financial resources. People gave money to help, meaning they had no idea how much money they would get and needed to be humble.
Gaudí realized that the Sagrada Familia was not just his work; he also saw himself as working with the Creator. This perspective was embodied in his belief that "originality is going back to the source" and his sense of working alongside divine inspiration. The project needed more than good building skills. It required a significant change in how we felt about ourselves. We had to be humble and work with the divine.
Gaudí bridged the gap between his illustrious career and a more humble, faith-driven mission with the Sagrada Familia. It showed that he knew true creativity and success come from returning to the roots of faith and working with a higher power.
EpochalChange - How did Gaudí’s way of building buildings show a conversation with the transcendent, and how did this affect his respect for and change of nature?
Joan Aicart - Gaudí thought that true originality comes from a close relationship with the invisible and the eternal. This dialogue makes matters flexible. This perspective allowed him to transcend mere imitation and engage deeply with the essence of nature.
Gaudí’s architectural ideas weren’t to copy nature but to understand and respect its basic order and shape. He was interested in natural forces and how they work together. This is shown by his use of the catenary arch, which looks like curves that form naturally under gravity. This constructive dialogue between the forces of nature and architectural form was fundamental to his work.
Gaudí wanted to show his designs' dynamic, three-dimensional interaction of natural forces. He created structures that were both very respectful of nature and very new. His buildings reflect a joyful communion with nature, celebrating the presence of the divine in the material world.
Gaudí's respect for nature wasn’t passive but transformative. By participating in a higher order, he believed that things could be honored and profoundly transformed. His work shows that architecture, when it talks to the beyond, can make both the creator and the creation more critical. This philosophy is demonstrated in all of his work. Natural elements are copied and reimagined to show a deeper spiritual connection.
EpochalChange - How does Gaudí show his belief in the divine and how suffering and hope work together by including nature and biblical stories in the Sagrada Familia?
Joan Aicart - Gaudí’s work in the Sagrada Familia shows that he believed that God, who made everything, is closely connected to it. The church faces east to welcome the rising sun, a powerful symbol of the openness and joy of nature. Watching the sunrise illuminate the façade is a unique experience, revealing nature's vibrant celebration of life.
Gaudí mixes parts of nature from both Palestine and Catalonia in his designs. This shows that God is everywhere. He puts the turtle and the chameleon next to each other, showing the fixed and changing parts of nature. This shows how they interact in the natural world.
People pay attention to the inclusion of Bible stories, like the Gate of Hope. This story shows how innocent people are killed and fled into Egypt. This choice invites us to reflect on why hope arises amid such profound suffering. Gaud challenges us to face the harsh reality of innocent suffering. It reminds us of Ivan’s rebellion against God in Dostoevsky’s The Brothers Karamazov.
Gaudí dares to explore the depths of human and divine experience by placing hope in the context of immense suffering. His audacity in confronting these themes mirrors his bold confrontation with anarchism and other social challenges. Gaudì’s Sagrada Familia shows hope can still exist even in the worst times. It shows how strong and powerful the human spirit is, guided by God.
EpochalChange — How does Gaudí’s inclusion of St. Joseph and the story of the Holy Family in the Sagrada Familia show hope in the face of difficulties? This shows his larger vision for the basilica.
Joan Aicart - Gaudí’s choice of Saint Joseph and the Holy Family in the Sagrada Familia shows how hope and adversity work together. He places the figures of Joseph and Mary at the top, symbolizing the summit of faith and trust in divine providence. Joseph’s realization that his son is God is a moment of great responsibility and humility that connects deeply with the human experience.
Gaudi's perspective, infused with pagan realism, recognizes the worldly temptations of money and power. Yet it contrasts with Joseph’s problems during the flight to Egypt, showing the struggles and sacrifices that are part of the divine journey. This juxtaposition invites us to reflect on where hope lies amid such trials.
The Sagrada Familia itself becomes a vessel of hope. Gaudí’s vision goes beyond building completion dates, like the one for 2026, to a more significant spiritual goal. His work shows a sense of kindness and community spirit, like the nativity scene with its angels.
Deeply immersed in his creation, Gaudí conceived the Sagrada Familia as a testimony of faith and perseverance. Despite the inevitable uncertainties of the future, the basilica stands as a beacon of hope, urging us to find strength in our common humanity and divine connection. This enduring message, forged through its art and devotion, remains a powerful legacy that transcends time.
EpochalChange - How does Gaudí's belief that a work is alive through its ongoing dialogue with God, people, and history shape his vision for the Sagrada Familia, particularly in the context of faith and charity?
Joan Aicart - Gaudí's philosophy that creation remains alive as long as it is in dialogue with God, people, and history is fundamental to his vision of the Sagrada Familia. He believed that when something is finished, it ceases to live, as in nature, where life is synonymous with constant movement and interaction.
This belief profoundly influenced his approach to the basilica. Gaudí saw the Sagrada Familia not as a static monument but as a living, breathing, evolving entity in constant dialogue with the divine and the community. This dynamic interaction is what keeps the structure alive and relevant.
In terms of charity, Gaudí brought faith into the world through his work. For him, faith was not just an external concept but a profoundly personal experience that begins with the incarnation of God in man. This idea is vividly portrayed in the Door of Faith, where a 12-year-old Jesus is depicted defying the mentality (the norms) of his time, with his parents, Joseph and Mary, expressing a mixture of surprise and concern.
Gaudi's depiction of this scene emphasizes the element of surprise in divine encounters. He believed God likes to present himself unexpectedly and urged us not to fear these divine surprises. This theme of unexpected divine intervention and the call to respond is woven throughout the Holy Family, encouraging visitors to engage deeply with their faith and the ongoing dialogue it demands.
In this sense, the Sagrada Familia is more than a building; it is a testament to Gaudí's belief in the ongoing, living interaction between the divine, humanity, and history unfolding. This perpetual dialog gives life to his masterpiece, making it a timeless symbol of faith and love.
EpochalChange- How does Gaudí's depiction of biblical figures such as Zacharias and Mary in the Sagrada Familia illustrate different responses to faith, and what message does this convey about the nature of faith and acceptance in the Church?
Joan Aircart - Gaudí uses biblical figures like Zechariah and Mary in the Sagrada Familia to show how people respond to faith differently. The juxtaposition of Zechariah's skepticism and Mary's simplicity and acceptance is a profound commentary on trust and acceptance.
When the angel Gabriel appears to Mary, she responds with a simple and immediate "yes," embodying pure faith and submission to God's will. In contrast, Zechariah hesitates and questions the message when he receives the same angel's visit. His doubt makes him mute for a short time. This punishment shows how hard it is to accept the divine will without hesitation. Zechariah is initially doubtful but finally agrees with the angel’s message and names his son John, following the angel’s instructions.
This scene, in which Zechariah writes "John" on a piece of parchment, symbolizes the moment of divine recognition and the complex path of faith. Gaud’s painting shows that faith can be accepted in different ways: wholly and quickly, like Mary, or through struggle and ultimate acceptance, like Zechariah.
Gaudi extends this dichotomy to a broader message about the Church. He says the Church accepts both people who believe right away and those who have doubts but eventually come to faith. The Church values sincerity of heart over the nature of the initial response.
This story also echoes the Bible story of the two sons. One son refuses to work in the vineyard at first but later goes; the other accepts but does not follow. It emphasizes that sincere actions and efforts of faith count.
Gaudí emphasizes that the faith journey is varied and personal through these images. In its wisdom, the Church welcomes all sincere seekers, recognizing the different paths people take to faith and salvation. The Holy Family’s spiritual message is faith, acceptance, and salvation. It invites everyone to join the divine dialogue.
EpochalChange - How does Gaudí’s mix of architecture, nature, and spirituality in the Sagrada Familia show his belief in God? What does this synthesis mean about how you feel when you see his work?
Joan Aicart - Gaudí’s genius combines three parts of the Sagrada Familia: the building, the natural symbol, and the spiritual. This synthesis reflects his holistic vision of faith, which permeates all aspects of life. He brings nature, culture, and ritual into a whole experience. This shows that true religion is not just about beliefs, but is very real and rooted in the everyday.
Gaudí believed that faith is born of the heart, just as the Sagrada Familia speaks to the hearts of its visitors. Gaud warns against focusing on just one thing: the beautiful building, the symbolic natural elements, or the spiritual message. Instead, he encourages a holistic approach, considering these elements as interrelated facets of a greater truth.
In this way, the Sagrada Familia is a beautiful art building and a living proof of God. It invites visitors to interact with it through all their senses, as Lorca and Dalí experienced it. In his first part, Dal talks about Lorca’s deep experience with Sagrada Familia. He says it was like many voices trying to tell them something, but it spoke directly to them without explanation. This story shows Gaud’s goal: The basilica should make people think and feel. It should let its beauty and complexity speak to them in a deeper, more natural way.
Gaudí's work challenges us to go beyond mere observation and allow ourselves to be moved and transformed by the encounter. It is a call to connect with the divine through architecture, nature, and spirituality. We recognize that beauty is a way for God to communicate with us. This approach shows that faith and art are closely connected. Each helps the other understand and experience something better.
The Holy Family is an extensive conversation between humans and God. It invites us to listen, feel, and be inspired by its balanced mix of natural, cultural, and spiritual elements.
EpochalChange: How does Gaudí’s idea of holiness and the connection between life, work, and faith affect your legacy? And what is the mystery that his work in the Sagrada Familia shows?
Joan Aicart - Gaudí believed that holiness comes not only from one's work but also from one's life and faith. This view explains the differences between the achievements of great artists like Michelangelo, whose Sistine Chapel is a proof of beauty and truth, and the goodness that comes from living a life of faith. For Gaudí, holiness is about embodying faith in everyday life, not just creating spectacular works.
This faith is fundamental to understanding Gaudí's legacy. The Sagrada Familia is a beautiful building, but Gaud’s purity is shown in how he lived his faith through his work. His love is shown in the Sagrada Familia’s experiences and spiritual depth, especially in things like the Rosary Door. Gaudí's approach to faith and art are deeply intertwined, informing the other.
An anecdote told by a close acquaintance of Gaudí's, Juan Bassegoda, reflects this sentiment. Even though he knew everything and did his research carefully, he once told me that Gaud still felt mysterious and humble. He once said that even after all his research, he felt like Gaud had written a letter in 1926 that he didn’t open. This symbolized the constant mystery and wonder in his relationship with God.
This anecdote underscores the ongoing mystery that Gaudí embraced. His work in the Sagrada Familia makes us realize that even though we’ve made progress and understand more, the divine is still a big mystery. Gaudí's humility and recognition of this mystery make his work always fascinating and spiritually enriching.
Gaudí’s legacy is not only in the beauty of the Sagrada Familia but also in how it still makes people think and feel, inspires faith, and keeps a sense of divine mystery. This shows that he believes we are all learning in the big plan of life and faith. We are always learning and growing in our understanding of the divine.
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