Eerie, Haunting and Below the Sea: DeCaires Taylor’s Underwater Museums

Born in 1974 to an English father and a Guyanese mother, Taylor studied art in London. He became a full-time artist at the age of 30. Inspired by his work as a scuba instructor and passion for ocean conservation, each undersea park and museum is a dialogue of art, science, and the relationship between humans and nature. He deals with modern themes of climate change, pollution, and immigration and is recognized internationally for his environmental and political work.

The sculptures are made from a special pH-neutral cement with a texture that encourages the growth of coral and the habitation of underwater creatures. The corals, sponges, fish, crustaceans, and worms live on and alter the surface of the statues – the sea claiming the works, altering and engaging with the pieces in a completely organic way.

The underwater parks display up to 400-500 life-size sculptures, cast from local people, trees, and even cars. Having the ocean as the exhibition space means a constant change of environment. There are schools of fish that swim by, and shifting tides, lighting to the sandstorms that whirl through and engulf the statues in clouds. Visitors access the sculptures through diving, snorkeling, or glass-bottom boats. An added benefit is these parks are located near coral reefs and are able to divert a lot of attention.

The Raft of the Lampedusa resting on the floors off of Lanzarote is a homage to Théodore Géricault’s Raft of the Medusa (1891). It shows people “piled” in an inflatable raft. In Taylor’s words, the

work is not intended as a tribute or memorial to the many lives lost but as a stark reminder of the collective responsibility of our now global community.

Reclamation is infusing hope and phoenix-like resurrection. Purple sea fans spread and filter the water. It offers a sense of revival to the viewer and is home to the ocean life teaming on its surface.

Silent Evolution in Museo Subacuático de Arte off of Cancun, was one of the most provocative pieces – with 400 casts of locals grouped together. The scale and weight were massive. They are a key example of the awareness and conservation these parks are working to create.