Jason deCaires Taylor is sculptor and award winning underwater photographer who specialises in the creation of contemporary underwater sculptures which over time develop into artificial coral reefs. 'As time passes the work change, they reshape and redefine the underwater landscape in unpredictable ways.' (Golding, 2008). Taylor's art work is exemplary of life and it's emergence into death, and the ever changing cycle this presents. As the coral reefs are subject to environmental change and have dissipated, Taylor's sculptures have helped to bring the rebirth of these coral reefs in many parts of the world. The sculptures provide a solid base on which coral can attach itself and grow. These rock sculptures are an underwater gallery for divers. His body of work, La Evolucion Silenciosa (The Silent Evolution), shows clearly the life cycle through not only the flourishing coral reef, but the many forms of people. Endeavouring to plant the sculptures off the western coast Isla Mujeres in Mexico, 'The project itself evolved with his artistic desire to incorporate the local community.' (Underwater Wonderland, 2010). As the exhibition displays an evolution of Mexican society, it will also display the evolution of nature. True to its name, 'it’s an installation that -- like the evolution of a culture -- will continually transform over time.' (Underwater Wonderland, 2010). Taylor's medium consists of a specially mixed cement, that encourages the growth of coral and can withstand the oceans strong currents. One sculpture, a very pregnant tribal lady, appears to have stepped out of the past. Standing next to her, is a young girl from the present, holding a hand bag and smiling towards the sky.This juxtaposition of the two figures represents the ever evolving state of human beings. Next to these figures stands an old man representing past peoples, those that have passed onto death. This arrangement of past and present sculptures seems to communicate this cycle of life. The ocean is symbolic of spirituality and life. The faded bluey tones suggest the sculptures are corpses. Yet, as reefs begin to attach themselves and splash bright and colourful hues onto the sculptures, they take on a new meaning. The scultptures are given life.Therefore, the significane of the figures being underwater, other than for the formation of coral reefs, is to represent humans spiritual journey through life, until death.Also, the death and birth of new reef growths on these sculptures accompanies this essence. National Geographic explains Taylor's aquatic works' "The Silent Evolution" won't ever really be finished, since marine life will continue adding its own touches for centuries. ('Bodies' fill underwater sculpture park, 2011). This is what is unique about Taylor's underwater sculptures, nature creates the very essence that his work strives to communicate to the viewer.The River Gallery's opening expedition of Jason deCaires Taylor's artwork, in 'Passing Realms', will encapsulate the viewer as they connect to the works on, not only a visual level but, a spiritual level.
Bibliography
Barbe, C. (2005), 'Journal of Religion and Faith', Vol 4, No.3, pg.350, http://www.jstor.org/stable/27512878?seq=2
'"Bodies" Fill Underwater Sculpture Park', Daily News - National Geographic, http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2011/01/pictures/110105-underwater-sculpture-park-garden-cancun-mexico-caribbean-pictures-photos-science/#/underwater-sculpture-park-cancun-mexico-kneeling_30888_600x450.jpg (18/8/11)
Freeland, C. (2004), 'The Art of Bill Viola', Thames and Hudson, UK, London
Golding, P. 'Cicle of Life', Diver Magazine, (Jan 2008), http://www.divermag.com/v2/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=70
'Underwater Wonderland', Art Appraisal - Mutual Art, http://www.mutualart.com/OpenArticle/UnderwaterWonderland--The-Deep-Sea-Art-o/FEC324CD21AE0EB4?utm_source=newsletter_p&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=nl_artfocus (20/8/11)
Viola, B. (2003), 'Five Angels', Tate Magazine, Issue 6, http://www.tate.org.uk/magazine/issue6/fiveangels.htm
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