If you do an online search for ‘Cancun Underwater Museum’ you’ll be transported into another realm. Hundreds of cast concrete figures inhabit the sea bed and have formed artificial reefs.
The artist behind the works is Jason deCaires Taylor and his pioneering public art projects are not only examples of successful marine conservation, but works of art that seek to encourage environmental awareness, instigate social change and lead us to appreciate the breathtaking natural beauty of the underwater world.
The sculptures completely transform once they are left underwater and coral starts to develop. When he goes back to photograph his sculptures, nature has added her own special touches.
“Coral reefs attract an array of marine life (such as colourful fish, turtles, sea urchins, sponges, and sharks) and also provide enclosed spaces for sea creatures to breed or take refuge… One of the greatest benefits of artificial reefs is that they have lifted the pressure off natural reefs which, over the past few decades, have been over-fished and over-visited. By diverting attention to artificial reefs, natural reefs have now been given a greater chance to repair and to regenerate.”
Find out more at www.underwatersculpture.com
