Conserving Coral Reefs and Creating Underwater Public Art Spaces | ArtSHIFTING
Conserving Coral Reefs and Creating Underwater Public Art Spaces
The Silent Evolution by Jason de Caires Taylor
That’s a rather long title for this post, but it’s true. Artist Jason deCaires Taylor has created and installed over 400 sculptures underwater in the Cancun Marine Park (Mexico) since the Silent Evolution project began in late 2010. The project aims to showcase the relationship between art and the environment in an attempt to remind the many travelers and scuba divers that there is an environmental cost to attracting of 750,000 people per annum.
For more information about the project visit: http://www.underwatersculpture.com and Museo Subacuático de Arte
Watch the YouTube HD Video: Silent Evolution
85 Responses to Conserving Coral Reefs and Creating Underwater Public Art Spaces
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Sorry about that. You should see the link at the end of the post now.
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Thizzlamik says:
this is amazing I really enjoy the simplicity and beauty of what Jason has done here. Its beautiful to see that the statues eventually become part of their environment. Hinting at the theory that all things will eventually return back to nature.
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Hugo says:
This is an amazing idea. It’s wonderful to see all those sculptures underwater with the fish. The sculptures almost seem like if there are real people underwater and have perfect detail. It’s an idea that should be spread out world wide and should attract many peoples attention.
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Julia says:
How crazy to see true art below the surface! Every sculpture with detailed gestures and personalities, there is just so many of them. How amazing it would be to go and dive and just take in all the beauty. Especially all the different colored fishes and all the different types of coral (almost acting as clothing) on all of these sculptures. If only… =)
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Camille says: This is one of the most creative art pieces i’ve ever seen. To create a masterpiece like this underwater is pretty spectacular. The thought that these sculptures will be here for hundreds of years knowing that the water will preserve it. This is the first i’ve ever seen or heard of someone creating an underwater scene with the coral reefs.
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ALBERTO SALDIVAR says:
JASON, thank you for what you are doing! Fantastic idea and I hope you place many more where ever these sculptures are needed! The children of my children may see them some day and that alone makes me feel good.
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Joseph says:
This is a really cool idea. It looks truly beautiful with the backdrop of the blue water and exotic fish. The sculptures seem to not be severely damaged by the water as well. It should grab the attention of many people, for it is truly very unique and creative idea.
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Srorathorn Hamilton says:
I am speechless. I have never seen anything like this. It reminds me of the “Lost City of Atlantis” or “Pompeii”. I love the image of the different nationalities all together in one place. It is a bit creepy seeing the barnacles, and coral forming on the faces of some of the sculptures, but it does make me want to get my husband to take me there! This is one of the most amazing things I have ever seen. How much does it cost to go??
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Briana Lester says:
Goal achieved, this is an amazing showcase of art in the environment. What an original idea, and how amazingly patient and detail oriented this sculpter must be. There is so much commitment and life in these sculptures. It almost seems like an underwater graveyard, with a sort of erie feel. Very cool.
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Heath says:
This is a really interesting idea but i think that it is somewhat a waste of money to put so much artwork under water when it could be above the water on ground. The problem this poses is that not mant people know how to scuba dive or swim so the possibility for them to see this attraction is fairly slim.
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Lindsey F. says:
This is by far, the coolest form of environmental art I’ve ever seen! I love that it is underwater, and is safe for the fish and other underwater creatures to live around. The sculptures have so much life through all the small detail, it’s amazing! I wish I could see this in person. Although there is not much color in the figures themselves, nature plays the perfect role in providing beautiful colors – it makes everything come together perfectly! There is nothing I could correct about any of Jason’s art. I could look at it forever.
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Art History dude says:
This is such a cool thing. I have never seen anything like this and it is a great idea. I do wonder how long the pieces of art are going to stay solid and not brittle away over time. But that does not take away from the fact that i would love to see the artwork underwater. It would be pretty awesome to see a combination of beautiful sculptures, and eye capturing fish.
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Loi says:
This is amazing! Those sculptures look so real that I feel surprised at the first glance. Hope to have the chance to see this under-water’s world.
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huitng zhou says:
Jason did a amazing job! I love it ! It is simplicity and beauty .Even this art is under surface, but it is real. Especially when all the different color fishes swim around the different types of coral. Its like magical!
When i see it , it bring me to the sea world. At here, nature plays the perfect role in providing beautiful colors I feels like i live at a sea city. But i think there is one question for this work. This work is under water, it is too limited to let another art lover to enjoy. -
Dairya says:
I loved this idea. I think its cool that all these sculptures are being put underwater. It shows you a different side of the ocean and a different side of art
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Makala says:
I really enjoyed the beauty in Jason’s designs. I just watched a show on the Caribbean and a similar exhibit underwater. I thought there was so much beauty to the pieces yet so simple. The characters seemed like they had died and been sent to sea to be preserved. I would love to see this someday in person. The work itself is a piece of art but it is amazing how the ocean also changes it to make it its own.
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Jan G. says:
The artist did such an amazing job! There was so much work and skill put into the process! Watching the videos from the artist’s website gives a deeper look into the artwork and its environment so I highly suggest everyone viewing this blog to take a look!
The statues of people remind me of the victims of Mt. Vesuvius preserved by the ash. The pained and indifferent expressions and setting Jason deCaires Taylor underwater seem to create a wide range of emotion. I feel the artist is pointing to the idea of global warming and how scientists have found evidence that many countries may be under sea level within the century if change does not happen. The statues various expressions may be a reaction to the scientific discovery.
Very beautiful exhibition in a natural environment. I love that life has sprung on his art work- the coral and fish now living in the area.
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Bertha Monroy says:
This is an amazing job, really well done. Very beautiful and creepy at the same time. The detail of the statues are so well done they look like real people. I just wonder if some people will appreciated this kind of art.
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I think its a very beautiful project. And I like that it incorporates art and the environment and the environmental impact our actions have. I looked through his gallery and its as though he is taking what has been created above water and putting it down below. There was one sculpture as a body above the sand and yet the head was placed as though he dug himself into a hole he cant get out of. Sound familiar? Another sculpture was of an obese man sitting on the couch watching TV. I cant say I haven’t seen that once or twice in my life. What I liked most about his project was the bug car that had living spaces within the car for lobsters and crustaceans. He really put time and effort into this. There is no doubt this man has a sense of humor and I appreciate what he has done.
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Whitney Freeman says:
Wow. This is so cool. The idea seems so obvious now that someone has decided to do it, but I would have never thought about that before. I can only imagine how stunning it must be in person. The natural environment has been such an inspiration for art and artists that it only makes sense to utilize it in such a way. It is like the sculptures become a part of their surroundings, rather than slapping a frame on something and mounting it on a way. This is so natural and so real. I love it and am excited to see what happens next with this idea. I think it would be lovely to put some pieces out in nature randomly, so that a hiker or camper may stumble across something special.
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Cinthia Q says:
This is a wonderful project and a perfect way to help the environment and the species that are underwater. Jason’s sculptures are amazing because every single one of them is perfectly design and you can see different expressions in the face of the sculptures. Watching the video of the process that he follows in order to get the sculptures done and transporter to the water is extremely awesome. I think it is really interesting how he create the master pieces of the people by taking really people expressions and then do an exactly replica in the sculptures. Also, I believe that he is doing a great job helping the life of the animals that live in the ocean. I think this is a great idea and it should be use in different parts of the world to prevent the extinction of some species that live underwater. Jason’s art work is something unique that I have never seen and his idea is going to be something that many people will be able to admire his art. I will love to be able to see this unique art work in the future. I think that we should have more artists willing to expend their own time doing this kind of art in order to create a better environment for some of the species that live underwater. Something interesting that I learned watching the videos from Jason’s website is that coral reefs are one of the oldest and most bio-diverse ecosystems on Earth. I invite everyone to visit his website and enjoy watching this beautiful art work.
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Viviana B. says:
Underwater Sculpture
This is a spectacular art exhibition, the artist has done an amazing job in creating these images, taking advantage of the beauty of the underwater environment his sculptures come to life. I love to see how the underwater creatures interact with the sculptures, the colors of the ocean are spectacular,they complement the statues and add a dramatic effect backdrop. I wonder how hard it must have been to work against the pressure of the water and surrounded by all sorts of sea animals. These images have been mummified, and will be for ever be preserved for many to enjoy.
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W.Art Claudia.S says:
WOW, this is amazing!!!! I would love to see this in person. I love what Jason did and remind everyone how we are destroying our environment.Possibly he is trying to open our eyes, to see that one day our cities might be underwater one day.All the sea beauty makes it so much beautiful, creating historical beauty for the whole word.
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This is a wonderful project and a perfect way to help the environment and the species that are underwater. Jason’s sculptures are amazing because every single one of them is perfectly design and you can see different expressions in the face of the sculptures. Watching the video of the process that he follows in order to get the sculptures done and transporter to the water is extremely awesome. I think it is really interesting how he create the master pieces of the people by taking really people expressions and then do an exactly replica in the sculptures. Also, I believe that he is doing a great job helping the life of the animals that live in the ocean. I think this is a great idea and it should be use in different parts of the world to prevent the extinction of some species that live underwater. Jason’s art work is something unique that I have never seen and his idea is going to be something that many people will be able to admire his art.
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I will love to be able to see this unique art work in the future. I think that we should have more artists willing to expend their own time doing this kind of art in order to create a better environment for some of the species that live underwater. Something interesting that I learned watching the videos from Jason’s website is that coral reefs are one of the oldest and most bio-diverse ecosystems on Earth. I invite everyone to visit his website and enjoy watching this beautiful art work.
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Chris McCloskey says:
It’s amazing, to me, that Jason deCaires Taylor completed over 400 sculptures in roughly a year’s time. It’s unbelievable that they were done underwater, as well. I really appreciate this idea. There’s a calming element to see the serenity of water and exotic fish as the backdrop for such simple and beautiful sculptures. I love how the coral grows on the sculptures as time goes on and the sculptures eventally become part of the underwater environment. As time progresses, the sculptures become more special and unique as the coral continuously adds beauty and character to them. Also, by preserving the artwork the coral reefs are being saved in the process. This is a wonderful idea!
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Felila says:
This is by far one of the most amazing projects I have ever seen. Jason de Caires Taylor has such elegance about his statues and their position. His realistic style derived from the plastering of actual people was showed great innovation. All of the figures eyes are closed, giving the symbolic message that as the human race as a whole, we are blind to the negative effects we incur on the environment. The statues are almost all connected not only for buoyancy, but to show the connection that should be within our communities. The variety of fish communities that encompassed the statues and made them their homes was beautiful. To see them transform from just being entered in the ocean, then the gradual build of reefs was breathtaking. The artist definitely had the right idea of intertwining humanity with nature to promote less tourists.
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Travis says:
I think this project is truly amazing. Being able to create 400 sculptures in about a year is incredible. The detail on each persons face is spectacular and the whole thing being underwater makes it that much more amazing.
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Savannah says:
I think this is a beautiful idea. I love the thought of these sculptures being put among nature. It would be magnificent to go scuba diving and see colorful fish swimming amongst these sculptures.
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Victor M says:
This whole concept truly amazes me and i did not think it was real at first. The first thing i thought when i saw this was the giant army of clay soldiers that the first emperor of china had buried with him. I find this art very historical and never will it be erased. I love how each person is different and the facial expressions really get me. the idea of using art to fight invasion of space really intrigues me. The YouTube video put some real perspective on what its actually like down there with those statues. I think this is the best way to fight fire with water and it brings some real culture to the ocean.
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I think it’s a very beautiful project but being not many people know how to scuba dive or swim the possibility of them to see, its zero. I still think its a unique and the coolest form of environmental art I’ve ever seen. I really enjoyed watching the video. Really cool!
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Sergio says:
Prior to seeing this work I had never thought about art under water! This underwater museum has a lot of individuality. There are so many details, such as the telephone,the jewelry on the sculptures and even food like hamburgers.These details bring life to the ocean by bringing small parts of our daily lives, such as television, and make them more realistic with a naturalistic feel. I like how eventually, the museum becomes part of the ocean– part of nature again.
This reminds me of Pompeii, when I walked around the town that was once covered in Mount Vesuvius’ lava. There is almost an eerie sense to the experience of seeing it because it is so fascinating and at the same time it is impossible to look away from it.
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I found this work interesting because prior to observing this museum, I had never thought about art under water! This underwater museum has a lot of individuality. There are so many details: the telephone,the jewelry on the sculptures and even food that the sculptures are eating such as hamburgers and french fries. I find that no matter what minute detail of our sometimes mundane life we may hold, when we see it presented as art it becomes something else. All of the small details included here truly bring life to the ocean by bringing small parts of our daily lives, such as television, and make them more realistic with a naturalistic feel. Another thing I enjoyed is considering how, eventually, the museum becomes part of the ocean– part of nature again, just like what it was carved from.
Being able to see this type of art reminds me of Pompeii, when I walked around the town that was once covered in Mount Vesuvius’ lava. There is almost an eerie sense to the experience of seeing it because it is so fascinating and at the same time it is impossible to look away from it.I found the same thing happening as I watched this clip because I couldn’t help picturing the statues move about their lives and me being an observer, a “fly on the wall” during it all. Everything seems much different when one is on the outside of seeing someone’s life. Just like Pompeii, we are reminded that we are all humans connected and united through what makes us alike.
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I think this idea is wonderful and beautiful at the same time. I like the thought of sculptures being placed into nature. It would be gorgeous and such a treat to be swimming amongst colorful fish and sculptures. The colors of the fish would contrast the colors of the stone.
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Lauren C says:
This is absolutely amazing! At first I thought that there was only one sculpture, but then I realized that there are many more surrounding it. Since the statues don’t have any color to it, I feel like nature makes them stand out more. It’s very beautiful! I can’t believe that Jason has made 400 of these sculptures. It takes a lot of dedication and hard work that’s for sure. This is incredible work!
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Ryan says:
Wow, Very creative. The beautiful settings transforms these sculptures, making the familiar statues into something really wonderful. These will probably be discovered in thousands of years time, like the terracotta soldiers in China. I hope i’ll get to see these in my lifetime. I can’t believe I wouldn’t have ran into these if I didn’t go to this article for my art class. These need to be more recognized and get the respect it deserves.
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TC says:
This is truly stunning. It is a great idea and something i have never seen before. The water contrasting with the sculptures are very beautiful. I think that is a revolutionary way of art now. I think more sculptures should be put in water and represented like this.
The project is also a great cause that should be beneficiary if more people can see these brilliant sculptures underwater . Hopefully the world will spread about this cause. These sculptures are nuts! -
Emilie says:
I think that this is a very beautiful project. By piecing in the rough looking statues with the elegance of the ocean it gives a nice balance to the project. The figures all seem to be closing their eyes almost as if they are sad. This can then lead me to believe that because they are in such a beautful place such as underwater in the depths of the ocean and because the figures look so unhappy it may show that somehing is happeinging to the world around them. The ocean and all the living creatures in it are being distroyed and not only does this effect a small group of people in the world, but everyone is suffering from this tragity. This can be shown by the many many figures that are shown behind the one main figure of the elder men.
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Mark Goitom says:
This instantly grabbed my attention! I thought the guy was a young man at first glance, but then I notice he was older. This reminds of the well preserved works we have found in the sea, and makes me wonder what future people will think when they find this spectacular art work centuries from now.
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Teddy says:
After reading the headline for this, I thought to myself “Wow that is awesome underwater art”. And after seeing the picture of the art underwater i was right. WOW! Jaosn’s artistic ability is unbeliviable. I was so amazed going through the gallery pictures on his webiste. He is a true artist and very talented. His works of art are beautiful and helpful for the environment and the fish in the ocean. Once again i would like to say these works of art are beautiful and one day i would like to get the chance to view these in person.
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It’s incredible how Jason was able to envision the idea of using our natural environment to create this underwater masterpiece. It allows people to enjoy the natural beauty of of our oceans and also the creativity of a true artist. The hundreds of underground sculptures have become a great habitat for life to thrive. I admire his contribution to helping our ecosystem as well as his new way of art.
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etram says:
This idea is so innovative and unique. At the same time it is also quiet eerie to see such life like sculptures underwater. Testing the imagination of the human mind, and also attracting people to this piece of artwork can help make people more aware of the natural beauty of life.
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Blake says:
I find this to be very interesting as well as a great idea! It is fascinating that someone had the idea to make these pieces of artwork underwater! It also really shows the creativity that artists have, a special gift that only artist have. I think this idea will open up many doors to more creative ways to produce artwork.
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Elise Sullivan says:
This is absolutely beautiful! I have never gotten ear of this going on in the Cancun Marine Park. I have been to Cancun several times and never heard of these pieces being there. What I wonder is if each statue represents someone, as if they were a personalized statue. All of the statues look so different from each other and are very personable. I also like how the marine life has taken over. Some statues how holes in them where coral reef has started coming out of, as well as plants, and algae. Having the water is so crystal clear in that area must really helps as far as visibility. What I do not understand is the relationship the artist is trying to make between the statues and the underwater environment. These pieces are so beautiful they should also conduct an underwater tour for those who can’t snorkel! But then again, that might take away from their significance if everyone knows/sees them!
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This is the part of art that has made me most interested, limitless. There is no limit or restrictions on what type of artwork people may do. I always though of art as a painting, when it is more than that. Art can be sculptures, pictures, drawings, anything you want to be that you created is art. As a first semester art student with very little knowledge it has been amazing to experience and gain so much knowledge about this industry. I have learned so much about different cultures, time periods and life styles. It amazes me how everyone thinks differently and sees things differently, one person’s interpretation of a piece of art can be completely different than another. I found this artwork mind blowing that someone can have so much patience to do artwork underwater it is incredible. One day I wish to see a piece of his art work and be able to see what these figures are like for my own eyes.
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Christina says:
These statues that Jason De Caires Taylor has created under water are amazing and beautiful. Mexico is already an amazingly gorgeous place, but this really adds to it. I also think it’s really cool that this didn’t disturb nature, the fish just eventually got used to these underwater statues and made there selves at home. They now don’t even notice them because they are so much apart of their nature. These statues of people are so realistic, they have great detail. This man really inspires me. He knows what he’s doing, that’s for sure. Making the underwater world artistic is a wonderful idea. I love it.
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Daisy Mendoza says:
I was in complete awe when I came across this blog article. It never crossed my mind that an underwater art gallery existed today! The description was a little short so I decided to look into it further and go into the webpage of the artist (Jason deCaires). I looked through the gallery for a good twenty to thirty minutes, taking in how the environment is beginning to blend in with the sculptures and how my eyes got used to the fact that it’s underwater and not in some gallery at a museum. After I finished looking through the pictures, I went to read a little about the author himself and the history behind the galleries. I did not know that most marine life live in the shallow parts of our oceans and that most of our corals reefs will be gone in the next few decades. It’s a really sad fact to take in. Apart from that, the artist mentioned that with these galleries being in the shallow part of our oceans, the tourists won’t have to go disturb the coral reefs. It’s amazing to see how the sculptures begin to be part of nature through time. The sculptures don’t look too happy, but that was an intentional move from the artist. Because of all the change happening, some are still left behind. It’s really nice to know that people will have a good experience looking at these galleries because they are in a different environment and they are helping our oceans at the same time. The themes that the artist is expressing are somewhat sad, but they do go very well with the loss that is occurring in our oceans and how everything is changing in our world today. I really enjoyed reading this blog and expect more galleries and recognition from this artist.
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That is a very outstanding art work; I have never seen any art work under the sea before. How can the artist figure that out? Who would think of the art work under the sea? It is such a great idea to conserving marine life through art. I really like the background; at the corner it is deep blue, but in the middle it is light blue that is lighted by the sun. The sea color looks calm, relaxing, unmoving water and it matches to the color of the sculpture that it is kind of blue- green. The sculpture looks just like a dead person, when a person death for a long time it became pail white like those in the picture, it looks so real amazing work. The capture of the fish behind the man sculpture is the contrast of the background and the sculpture which make this art even more realistic and naturalism.
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Mary Dumont says:
I am simply amazed by these underwater creations from Jason deCaires Taylor. It is so unique and simply elegant: the idea, the design, the beautiful world underneath the sea created from his mind. He achieved every detail from the harmony between art and the environment, the hair on a bearded face. I have never been so awed by art before, the sheer brilliance of his work is almost uninspiring.
On top of that, his sculptures reflect humanity in such a realistic, exposed and naked way. He conveys a large spectrum of human emotion and the human condition is laid bare to witness. He captured the human in their everyday lifestyle into a preserved, concrete form under the sea. Children, pregnant women, fat men, skinny men, old men, he captured them all perfectly with such a detail; even with an astounding 400 sculptures produced, the detail persists.
Lastly, beyond just the aesthetics of the work he has so masterfully created, it serves an environmental purpose. Coral reefs start to grow onto the sculptures, and it is this effect I find most astounding and beautiful. Seaweed, coral and fish thrive around people frozen in time. It helps to promote the reefs as well as increase the beauty and intensity of his artwork.
Truly something wonderful was created here.
Now I just need a scuba suit.
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Suly says:
This is such a great “exhibit!” Its truly impressive to see Taylor’s creativity at work, as well as his sincere desire to bring attention to our ocean’s declining state. I feel as though his use of coral, algea, sponges, etc. (all living organisms) to coat sculptures of humans is eloquent commentary about how interwined we are with nature, and how we should better preserve it, because in the end it is a part of us. As it says on the website, “Underwater sculptures are living reef systems, touching the structures in any form damages the delicate coral life and is therefore is strictly prohibited.” Its a very somber work of art, but I think its extremely poignant and tactful, and ultimitely I think it brings forth a sense of hope. Its extraordinarily beautiful, and I really hope that it will receive a lot of visitors, for this is art that can really change a person’s perspective when it comes to protecting our oceans. Also, its beyond cool that tourists can scuba dive down to see the sculptures at night!
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Sam says:
I really enjoyed reading about such a great project. I am facinated in the way that the sculptures are able to help the coral grow which helps the ecosystem. I am already looking into a way to go see this wonder. My only concern is that the amount of people visiting will disturb the fish or other animals in the sea, which will cause the coral reef to be destroyed and will destroy helping the reefs grow…
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Angelly says:
This is wonderful work of art that I saw. I had never heard of this, It’s unbelievable that Jason had created over 400 sculptures in one year at the bottom of the sea. I think that It gives a feeling of horror at seeing this sculptures up close but at the same time enjoy the experience of being underwater with the fishes. I would like to see this in person.
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Natalie Rogers says:
This is such a great and unique idea. The artist is so creative to combine art and the environment while promoting wild life at the same time. I love how all of the sculptures are all different with their own personalities. The underwater aspect is so cool and relaxing. Water itself can be a form of therapy if you allow it. So to view beautiful art in combination with beautiful underwater life would be amazing. One day I will
visit this place. -
This is such a great and unique idea. The artist is so creative to combine art and the environment while promoting wild life at the same time. I love how all the sculptures are all different with their own personalities. The underwater aspect is so cool and relaxing. Water itself can be a form of therapy if you allow it. So to view beautiful art in combination with beautiful underwater life would be amazing. One day, I will visit this place. This must feel awesome for the artist to have created something that helps and conserves the animals while doing something that I am sure is a passion. Again, great idea. I look forward to visiting MUSA someday soon.
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Lynette says:
This is so amazing and creative! All of his 450 sculptures are beautiful. It is so cool knowing that this was all done underwater. Jason’s idea behind this project is great I’m glad there is reason. The environment is very important and this is a great way to show its importance through his art. Also helping with a better environment are the creature that interact with his art.
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Thomas J. says:
Wow what an incredible idea and movement! I think this is an awesome idea, and next time I go to Mexico I just might have to check this out for myself. Keep up the hard work Jason!
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Dylan says:
THat is really incredible i hope they can make more artwork underwater
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I thought Jason deCaries Taylor’s art was amazing. its so awsome for artists to try new things and this is by far the greatest art work ever done. I think more artists should do some artwork underwork like this artist did. I beleive that Taylor will have a great future and will go down as one of the greatest. I hope this art work will last forever underwater
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Sandra says:
I have never read about this sculptor, his project is really amazing because by having those pieces of art underwater, the coral can began to develop in the pieces. I wondering how much time take him to create one figure (man/women.
By looking at this figureas I recorded when Michelangelo created David in (1501-1504) Of course I am not comparing or saying who is a better sculptor, but I am impressed now, by looking at this figures underwater in Cancun. I believe the people admired the job of Michelangelo as we are now admiring the job of Jason Decaires because he is helping the nature by trying to reemplaze the damage the humans have made to the coral in the sea. -
Underwater World
I have never read about Jason Decaires. His project is really amazing because by having those pieces of art underwater, the coral can began to develop in the pieces. I wondering how much time take him to create one figure (man/women).
By looking at this figures I recorded when Michelangelo created David in (1501-1504) Of course I am not comparing or saying who is a better sculptor, but I am impressed now, by looking at this figures underwater in Cancun. I believe the people admired the job of Michelangelo as we are now admiring the job of Jason Decaires because he is helping the nature, by trying to fix the damage the humans have made to the coral in the sea. Because he is creating more coral that with the time developed and stick in the figures.
http://www.underwatersculpture.com -
eric says:
This brings art to a whole new level. The idea of sculptures in a quiet beautiful ocean floor is mind blowing. They appear to be life size; the children are small and the some of the women are pregnant and the males appear tall. Did they arrange them in a specific order for a specific reason or they are just placed radom as a part of art itself?. When one sees the exotic fish calmly swimming arround them and the light from the high skys above making its way through the blue waters and as the sculptures stand there with thier faces full of emotions and yet so still; one gets the feeling of what silent evolution really means. It appears as the weight of the deep water represent thier burdens and sorrows that is reflected from thier facial expressions; one of the sculptured looked as if it was crying. This idea of under water museum is a brilliant and a magnificent view of art.
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bianca says:
I believe art is an important way of communicating and expressing feelings and thoughts, a unique way of demonstrating the simplicity of little things that could become greatest masterpieces of art. In fact, I have never seen art underwater and I consider that this kind of sculptures underwater is a unique way of art that in fact demonstrates a uniqueness in the world of art.
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Angelina Arrington says:
I don’t have words to express the awe I feel when looking at these sculptures. It is as though an entire population has been born underwater. What a way to remind the people who use these waters that there is a price to be paid for the continued use. I love that each piece is an individual as well as part of a community. Each piece is so life like and each facial feature unique. It’s hard to believe that nobody thought to do something like this before. I can’t imagine words having even close to the impact that this living museum has.
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vui dang says:
woow..how beautiful these sculptures are! How excellent the artist to build underwater sculptures! This work art reminds me “the Lost Atlantic City”. Many people vary from young to old, from men to women, from black to white; and each of them differs from every personality, expression, and activity( watch TV, silent, do nothing but looking thoughtful, happy or sad…); all these things make those sculptures look real,lively and emotional.Also, I like the way coral reefs or mosses attach to human sculptures which make sculptures more emotional, distinctive and attracted. In a setting of fishes, corals, and water; those human sculptures become beautiful mermaids or sons of the Sea..it’s an extraordinary and charming scene to me.
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Kaitlyn says:
These under water sculptures far surpass the description “amazing” or “incredible”. I don’t even know that “breath taking” begins to describe it. It’s fabulous what this one man has done to simply “showcase the relationship between art and the environment.” Knowing the effect that years and years of sitting has had on other pieces of art throughout the world, I wonder how these sculptures will look in 100 years from now.. if they are still even there.
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Megan says:
This project by Jason de Caires Taylor is absolutely beautiful and creative. The statues under water are so realistic and the ocean view behind is stunning. This project shows that he put a lot of time and effort into his artwork. The sculptures are aesthetically pleasing to the eye because of the contrast with the ocean’s beautiful, bright colors. Anything underwater to me seems so elegant and graceful.
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Brett Obranovich says:
Wow this is awesome! Such a great idea to do underwater art. This is art with a very artistic background as well. Such a natural and beautiful backdrop the water provides for these sculptures. There isn’t much color on the art, but there doesn’t need to be because the water itself is so stunning.This is great work from the environmental standpoint, showing how the human race can be blind in the regard of what we rate doing to our environment. The closed eyes of the sculptures does indeed show tremendous symbolism to how blind we can be. Great work this is an amazing and innovative idea!
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Karvin says:
This work is so nice. The whole idea is off the charts: environment, sculptures and fishes. All of the statues are very detailed; they do look real and for this project to be underwater it came out perfect. This scene kind of reminds me of Titanic the movie. Once the ship started to sink and everyone were in the freezing water; some froze up and sunk all the way to the bottom. To make 400 sculptures and install them in one year in incredible. Jason should start something new and make his own underwater museum and probably could increase his attracting number to 1,000,000 a year. There was a lot of work put into this and I believe he deserve an award. Keep it up Jason.
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Paige says:
This idea sounds really cool! I would love to visit and see it for myself. I think it is a unique idea that should be spread around the world. Jason de Caires did mention how we are destroying our enviroment, maybe this is a way to portray one day our cities might be underwater. It is a cool idea and I’m excited to see where the idea goes.
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Calvin says:
If I was swimming and came upon a bunch of sculpted bodies in the water, I couldn’t help but be a little scared. I mean just the idea of finding something in the water you’re not expecting is a little eery. But then again it is also exciting. I remember when I was young, I was snorkeling with my dad in a crystal clear lake and found a sunken fishing boat at the bottom of the lake. We would dive down to it trying to find something valuable, but instead just found fishing lures and golfballs. We both had the same feeling, “What if we did find something else in the fishing boat, such as a body, or remains of someone?” I feel the same eery way about Taylor’s sculptures as I did that one day at the lake.
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I believe art is an important way of communicating and expressing feelings and thoughts, a unique way of demonstrating the simplicity of little things that could become greatest masterpieces of art. In fact, Jason deCaires really shows that message to the audience. I have never seen art underwater and I consider that this kind of sculptures underwater is a unique way of art that in fact demonstrates a uniqueness in the world of art. It also makes me think that anything in art is possible. It is amazing that now days we see art everywhere and that enrich us to observe and appreciate things better in life by just looking at a “simple” painting or sculpture that has so much meaning, effort, and work into it.
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I believe art is an important way of communicating and expressing feelings and thoughts, a unique way of demonstrating the simplicity of little things that could become greatest masterpieces of art. In fact, Jason deCaires really shows that message to the audience. I have never seen art underwater and I consider that this kind of sculptures underwater is a unique way of art that in fact demonstrates a uniqueness in the world of art. It also makes me think that anything in art is possible. It is amazing that now days we see art everywhere and that enrich us to observe and appreciate things better in life by just looking at a “simple” painting or sculpture that has so much meaning, effort, and work into it.
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Megan Stroud says:
This is just incredibly beautiful just too look at. My eye finds so much pleasure in looking at this sculpture. Having this be underwater is a very big statement and very out of the ordinary. The time that it took him to work on this sculpture is a lot more than i would have expected, but it definitely payed off! This is my new favorite sculpture of all art, and i think very highly of this. I am glad that i came across this piece of art because it is so beautiful.
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Iris says:
This is the most fascinating thing I’ve seen in a really long time! Really gives art a different meaning. The way the man’s face looks, you can really see the great innovation in the man’s face such as the other people. What really fascinated me was the fact that it’s under water I would’ve never imagined anything like this. I would love to go scuba diving just to see these amazing sculptures in person.
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Megan Schneider says:
This is truely remarkable!! I love this idea. The fact of incorporarting art and the nature of an environment is amazing. The artist Jason deCaires Taylor, really is doing something magnificent here. Hopefully this project really does bring awarness to take care of our fragile environment, and also to showcase natures natural beauty and what it has to offer us. I would love to scuba dive and see those sculptures for my self!
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Breann says:
This wouldnt be the first time I have seen this by Jason de Caires. It is really amazing how this has been able to stay in tact under water. But it is a really cool site to see. It is somthing I would really like to see in person someday. Im sure its just amazing. He has a great eye with statues and its amazing all the detail thats goes into these pieces. It is a great project and I think he should be very pround of this!
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Taylor Martin says:
This piece of art is a spectacular piece of underwater art. The individuals facial expressions bring out the art and the title along with it. The backdrop of the art really brings the scene together.Its amazing that Jason deCaires Taylor could design and sculpture over 400 of these human figures. With the coral adding on over time, it will bring life to figures.
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Lorra says:
This is absolutely amazing; from the sculptures themselves being underwater, the gorgeous blue of the sea, to the fish swimming around. How serene it would be to scuba dive to get a closer look at each piece…Although they are different, this automatically reminds me of the terra-cotta soldiers in China. It is very intriguing to know there could be a whole other world of art below water. If this caught on in different places of the world, that would be an interesting incentive to go visit and see this type of work in person. The “underwater” part gives the pieces a different feel than if they were on land. Great work Jason deCaires Taylor!
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Katherine says:
This is awesome! I can not even imagine how great of an experience that would be to be able to go down there and look at them up close. I am sure pictures do not even do it justice. One thing that stands out to me as a question is how long would they last? I feel like it would be easy for something to happen to them. Also I wonder how expensive it was to get all of them under water! And I’m sure it was difficult to get them all organized and set up under the water too.
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Laura C says:
In my perspective view, this is such a beautiful and amazing idea. Having sculptures under water!Wow such a different thing we could see in. honestly i am not a big fan of water or swimming but this kind of art would definitely would make me to go underwater and have to see it with my own eyes. Just imagine their is 400 sculptures underwater! really makes me want to drive up to cancun right know. knowing that every sculpture has his or her different expression to their face is absolutely wonderful, and adding real wild fish must be breath taking. Absolutely bringing new faces to cancun each year!
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AE says:
This is just amazing. Adds to the beauty and mystery of the sea. These statues remind me of the famous terra-cotta soldiers built in the tomb of Emperor Shihuangdi, we studied in class. You can tell that a goal was to give each statue its own individuality, since they don’t all really look the same. But, in my opinion, the fact that these are underwater makes them way more amzing. Simply amazing.
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Tiebe says:
I think its really cool that you are conserving the coral reef we should not take away from our environment but give back to it.I also think its amazing that your putting a beautiful spin to it the piece is crazy but so interesting. Hes being an artist with the creativity but also showing the beauty of the environment.
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This is an amazing art piece. I like how the sculptures are underwater because this is the first time I have seen art underwater. If I was standing from a distance I would probably think they were real dead bodies and I would be grossed out, but up close, it’s just beautiful.
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Alex says:
The creativity shown by this artist is astounding! It’s great to see the contrast between the environment and the man-made artworks, and how they peacefully coexist to create such a beautiful sight. I had the opportunity to get scuba diving certified in Puerto Rico when I was young, and I think that if this art was in that same kind of warm tropical climate it would truly be a sight to see.
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