Monday, June 21, 2010

Underwater Sculpture


   The Museum of Underwater Art by Jason deCaires Taylor.


The Museum of Underwater Art in Cancun Mexico was created by internationally renowned sculpture and installation artist Jason deCaires Taylor, and will soon feature more than 400 statues of real people.  When completed, this museum will form a monumental artificial reef designed to promote marine life, increase bio-diversity and draw Cancun visitors gently away from existing reef habitats.  Mexico's coral reefs found near Cancun are loved by divers and snorkelers. The reef, known as the Mesoamerican reef, is one of the oldest and second largest reefs in the world. The reefs have been in trouble for years, damaged by storms, human economic activity and tourists.

Taylor uses a special low-acid concrete for his sculptures and over time, the sculptures will act as the base for an artificial reef.   According to Taylor, these "... sculptures highlight ecological processes whilst exploring the intricate relationships between modern art and the environment."  By using sculptures to create artificial reefs, the artist’s interventions promote hope and recovery, and underline our need to understand and protect the natural world.

Cancun aims to provide the world's largest underwater museum.

1 comment:

  1. It´s great to see how this construction evolves, and how it has become part of the identity of cancun itself. Underwater museum tours are on a high demand, it is indeed a gorgeous place to visit when going on a trip to mexico.

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