Note: When using a tablet or phone, it is best to view this site in the horizontal (landscape) position.
This site was originally conceived in 1998, when web technology was very new by a brilliant young designer in Poland, who invented a unique menu that is based on the concept of a metro map. Much of what is presented here is linked a a much newer site: abramstower.com.
The Underground Cathedral (The Routes of Civilization) is an ongoing project, which has been developed during several decades including a variety of media ranging from traditional architectural stained glass to digital art, video, music and sound sculpture. Much of what is presented here dates back to the time of the site’s creation and far more detailed information is available on the new site, as well as a third site which is dedicated to art sales: frederickabramsart.com.
It began as a diagrammatic study of the first known sophisticated signs of life on earth, which are found on the floor of the ocean. Eventually a connection was drawn between these forms and the mappings of underground subway systems. The aesthetic exploration of these maps throughout the world became a study of cultural diversity and universal truths. This led to a personal exploration of the other world of underground landscapes during travels from Frederick Abrams’ native home of southern California, where during his childhood the largest commuter train system in the world had been controversially dismantled. What followed during adulthood was a long journey, as Abrams lived in New York City, Paris, Barcelona and Poland between 1987 and 2012, where he witnessed, participated in and documented historical transformations from the birth of the European Union to the collapse of the Soviet Union.
SITE NAVIGATION
The different sections of the site are color coded, similarly to a typical subway map. The light blue line opens up an interactive transcription of a broadcasted interview on France Culture Radio, which details how this project has continued to evolve since its inception, in media ranging from the traditional craft of stained and leaded glass to CAD design, photography, computer graphics, music and film.
Please send any comments or questions to undergroundcathedral@gmail.com
© 2023 Frederick Abrams, The Underground Cathedral
The complete contents of this site are copyright Frederick Abrams and The Underground Cathedral, unless otherwise indicated. The contents may not be reproduced in whole or part, in any form, without prior written consent.