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In 2009 British artist Jason deCaires Taylor began a monumental underwater museum consisting of 450 pemanent life-size sculptures formed in the waters surrounding Cancun, Isla Mujeres and Punta Nizuc. "Silent Evolution" -- a collection of hyper-realistic life-size sculptures of people from around the world was completed in the fall of 2010 and to date is one of the largest and most ambitious underwater artificial art attractions in the world.
The Museum's aim is to demonstrate the interaction between art and environmental science by forming a complex reef structure for marine life to colonize, inhabit and increase biomass on a grand scale. Each of the sculptures is made from specialized materials used to promote coral life, with the total installations occupying an area of over 420sq meters of barren seabed and weighing over 200 tons. The Cancun Marine Park is one of the most visited stretches of water in the world with over 750,000 visitors each year, placing immense pressure on its resources. The location of the sculptures promotes the recovery of the natural reefs as it relieves pressure on them by drawing visitors away.
The Museum is divided into two galleries called Salon Manchones and Salon Nizuc. The first is eight meters deep and suitable for both divers and snorkelers and the second four meters deep and only permitted for snorkeling.
Over the past few decades, we have lost over 40% of our natural coral reefs. Scientists predict a permanent demise of 80% by 2050. By creating sculptures of people from various walks of life -- from an 85-year-old nun to a 3-year-old boy, to a doctor, fisherman and student, etc. -- the artist makes the statement that environmental issues affect everyone.
Taylor's sculptures—a synthesis of art and science—are made with carefully researched environmentally-friendly materials which actively promote coral growth, with inert Ph neutral properties designed to last hundreds of years. Working with Marine biologists, Taylor employs the latest research in creating habitat spaces designed to encourage specific forms of marine life. In The Anthropocene (2011), a life size replica of the classic Volkswagan Beetle encloses a "Lobster City", designed to attract crustaceans.
deCaires Taylor explains on his website:
"The installation portrays a gathering of people, illustrating how we are all facing serious questions concerning our environment and our impact on the natural world. The work is optimistic and forward looking, expressing hope that there will be unity in dealing with this problem."
The silent ethereal beauty of the artist's work has attracted all forms of sea life who have found a home among these impressive sculptures and the site has become very popular among scuba divers and snorkelers.
~ Underwater Sculpture by Jason deCaires Taylor -- a must see for all the photo galleries