Eco sculptor Jason deCaires Taylor is looking to use underwater sculpturing to help boost coral reef environments, while also bringing a new form of experience to the attractions industry.
Developing underwater museums, through the use of sculptures installed on coral reef beds, Taylor is helping to transform languishing environments, as well as relieving strain by opening up new options for tourists among heavily populated hot-spots.
Taylor has so far opened up two underwater museums in Grenada, Spain and Cancun, Mexico.
“Prior to the museum, there was only one good snorkelling area in Grenada. All the boats would congregate in that area and there was damage to the reef from people jumping off boats and kicking coral and it was slowly deteriorating,” said Taylor when speaking to
Attractions Management.
“I created another snorkelling site nearby to relieve some of that pressure – coral grows on the sculptures and fish live around them.”
Both museums have been successful in transforming their marine environments, while also attracting increasing numbers of visitors to their locations, often helping to relieve pressure on other nearby locations.
The sculptor is now looking to take his work further across the globe as he seeks to help provide solutions to a number of environmental and artistic questions.
“I’m in talks with people in Florida, Malaysia, and the Maldives. It’s fascinating because each place has very different conditions and the works would evolve very differently according to location,” added Taylor.
“One of my aims is to advance the technology and research that allows more marine life to colonise the sculptures and create works that are more interactive for visitors.
“I’m currently devising some installations that start on land and then go into the sea. I’m also doing some pieces that rise out of the water so people can dive off them and others with lights so people can scuba dive at night.”
One of Taylor’s next projects sees the artist potentially working off the coast of Lanzarotte, where he will be discussing the topic of climate change and migration.
The project is to be supported by the Achenbach Art Foundation and the area’s regional government.
A full interview with Taylor can be found in the current issues of
Attractions Management, pp.42-47
