9 minute lesson
Sculptures In The Ocean!
What if you could work together with the natural world to make art?
Jason deCaires Taylor is doing just that! This artist is creating hauntingly beautiful sculptures with the help of the ocean. Jason places his works of art underwater. Over time, the ocean works its magic and transforms the statues into otherworldly objects. Jason’s sculptures serve many functions. First, they are beautiful to look at—don’t miss the sculpture with coral “wings”! Second, they act as artificial reefs, helping to care for endangered underwater species. Most importantly, these invite us to consider the beauty of the ocean and seek new ways to protect this beautiful ecosystem.
Check out this video from the Creators Project!
Why It Matters
Art is important! These sculptures are really beautiful and they make a statement. Just as Jason deCaires Taylor’s artwork inspires us to look at the ocean differently, art has the power to change our minds or encourage us to think in a new way.
Art has many functions, too. Part of the beauty of these underwater installations is their job as artificial reefs, giving marine animals a place to live. Also, these sculptures draw tourists away from the more fragile natural reefs, giving the marine plants and animals a chance to rebound.
Let's Talk About It
Creators
Creators is VICE’s arts and culture platform, covering every aspect of the creative process.
Their mission is to make art more accessible to a wider audience with diverse voices reporting on emergent arts and artists. “From sculpture and light projections to street art and dance, we immerse ourselves in cultural hotbeds and travel to the far corners of the globe to explore the spectacle and color of making art today.”