The internationally acclaimed sculptor Jason deCaires Taylor has been in love with the blue seas of Malaysia where he spent much of his early childhood exploring the coral reefs.
His main focus might be on sculpture, but he never forgot about his passion underwater. His pioneering public art projects are examples of successful marine conservation, encouraging environmental awareness.
In 2006, Taylor founded and created Molinere Underwater Sculpture Park, the world’s first of its kind, situated off the coast of Granada in the West Indies. The park is now listed as one of the top 25 wonders of the world by National Geographic.
A Friendly Environment
Due to coral growth and other metamorphosing effects of the ocean, his sculptures have become one with the life underwater. This natural phenomenon made the sculptures look more colorful and natural.
Since the sculptures are all made from a marine grade cement, sand, and micro-silica, they are of a PH neutral concrete, a friendly environment to invite coral inhabitation. Other than the sea creatures, his works have also invited other artists to join in and feature their creativities.
As for the people of Grenada, the park has resulted in the most beautiful and creative series of marine seascapes as they have developed a group of artificial reefs, giving new life to the places that have been destroyed by man’s intervention and raw power of the nature.
Taylor’s latest creation is MUSA (Museo Subacuatico de Arte), a monumental museum with a collection of over 500 of his sculptures, submerged off the coast of Cancun in Mexico, described by Forbes as one of the world’s most unique travel destinations.
The underwater museum attracts 250,000 visitors each year and contributes an estimated $20 million to the local economy.
Both Molinere Underwater Sculpture Park and MUSA collection have a practical functional aspect, facilitating positive interactions between people and fragile underwater habitats, while at the same time, relieving pressure on natural resources.
Taylor’s art is a paradox, created to be assimilated by the ocean, and transformed from inert objects into living breathing coral reefs, portraying human intervention as both positive and life-encouraging.
His works helps people to appreciate the natural beauty of the dynamic, fluctuating environment of the ocean.
According to Taylor’s website, underwatersculpture.com, his studio is currently based in Lanzarote part of the Canary Islands.
