7. 12. 2023 | Natalie Bezděková

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An underwater carnival has enlivened the Caribbean floor with the arrival of 31 new sculptures, adding to the world’s first underwater park. Jason deCaires Taylor, the British sculptor and ecologist who created this underwater exhibit located off the coast of Grenada in the Caribbean, drew inspiration from the island’s carnival to showcase Grenadian culture and history in a unique way.

The project received support from the local Ministry of Tourism, which wanted the artist to tell the story of Carnival as a distinct part of Grenada’s identity. DeCaires Taylor, whose underwater parks are scattered around the world, was in Grenada for his first project, working with local artists. They oversaw the fidelity of the characters’ likenesses, some of which have their origins in historical events, such as the sinking of the Bianca C. in 1961. Sculptor Troy Lewis contributed four new pieces, including a replica of the Christ of the Deep statue, which Grenada received as a donation for helping with the shipwreck.

These sculptures, like the previous ones, are not only a visual attraction for divers; they are made of materials that are friendly to underwater life and are intended to serve as the basis for coral reefs and shelters for marine life. Taylor also points out that the newly added colours and bold silhouettes add an aesthetic and ecological dimension to the project. His goal is to draw attention to the fragility of ocean ecosystems and the gradual extinction of coral reefs caused by climate change. The artist also plans a broader discussion about rising ocean levels, especially in small island nations, and its impact on these communities.

Photo source: www.pexels.com

Natalie Bezděková

I am a student of Master's degree in Political Science. I am interested in marketing, especially copywriting and social media. I also focus on political and social events at home and abroad and technological innovations. My free time is filled with sports, reading and a passion for travel.