Art Topic: Poseidon's Gift

Ooh, guess what I found?! Treasures nestled in the Grenadine sea while surfing the net! Much like a kid jumping up and down in excitement, anxious to belt out his latest discovery -- this is an impromptu post. 

All jokes aside. I came across this picture and was moved (for lack of a better term) by the sight of it; not only due to the history and implications it has for me in light of my African heritage -- this is simply striking and ingenious artwork. 

After a little online "research", I discovered this is one of many sculptures created by renowned English and Guyanese eco-sculptor, Jason deCaires Taylor. Outside of being a gifted artisan, he's a professional scuba diving instructor, conservationist, and underwater photographer. It goes without saying, Taylor's trademark underwater sculptures celebrate his mutual love of art and marine life.  In polite humor,  I refer to his work as Poseidon's Gift because unlike the fate of underwater ruins, the artisan seems to rather "gift" such structures unto Poseidon as opposed to having them violently stolen by high seas. Nevertheless, Taylor does desire for nature to have it's way - albeit subtly. 

Personally, what makes these cool, aqueous structures unique beyond the obvious is how they're constructed with "environmentally-friendly materials that  actively promote coral growth with inert Ph neutral properties designed to last hundreds of years (www.underwatersculpture.com)". And secondly, how the most inanimate of objects become animated; essentially brought to life with movement and colors.  Gradually the sculptures are transformed over time as coral and other organisms grow on and around them. Therein lies the beauty of it. 

Museo Subacuatico de Arte (MUSA)
grand opening.

You can view Taylor's early work at the Molinere Underwater Sculpture Park -- which he founded in 2006. The park is the first of its kind and listed as one of the Top 25 Wonders of the World by National Geographic. However, his most recent work is his most ambitious; creating the world's largest underwater exhibit (pictured right) featuring a collection of over 450 sculptures submerged off the beautiful coast of Cancun, Isla Mujeres and Punta Nicuz. For more on Jason deCaires Taylor visit  www.underwatersculpture.com.