By DIVE Staff
Jason deCaires Taylor has unveiled a new underwater installation on Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. ‘Ocean Sentinels’ is a series of eight hybrid form sculptures designed to ‘celebrate the Great Barrier Reef ’s strong links to marine conservation and indigenous cultures and traditions.’
The human figures are predominantly Australians whose work in fields of marine science and marine conservation have been highly commended and influential in our understanding of reef protection.
The stylised marine forms deCaires Taylor has surrounded the figures with represent their history, or particular field of study and expertise. The eight new pieces are the third and latest art installation of MOUA, the Museum Of Underwater Art, Australia, a series of ocean-based artworks found throughout the Townsville region.
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All the sculptures are constructed with a low centre of gravity in order to resist strong oceanic forces, made from a pH neutral, low-carbon ‘Earth Friendly Concrete’ and reinforced with marine stainless steel.
The surfaces and forms of the artworks are designed to be colonised by marine life. It is hoped that in years to come a variety of endemic species such as corals, sponges and hydroids will change the sculptures’ appearance in vibrant and unpredictable ways, becoming a living and evolving part of the Great Barrier Reef’s ecosystem.
Over the past ten years parts of the northern region of The Great Barrier Reef have been heavily impacted by coral bleaching, however the reefs surrounding the Ocean Sentinels in the Townsville region are still some of the most spectacular and biodiverse reefs in the world.
As warming sea temperatures affect marine ecosystems globally the Museum of Underwater Art aims to engage and inspire communities,
creating a space to learn about its history, its science and most importantly its future.
For more on the MOUA Australia installation, and the eight personalities on which the sculptures are based, visit the Ocean Sentinels page of Jason deCaires-Taylor’s website
