The underwater art of Jason deCaires Taylor

Diving into a mysterious world full of messages

Anyone who wants to view the breath-taking installations by British artist Jason deCaires Taylor must dive into the depths of the ocean. A fascinating world opens up on the floor of the ocean: Taylor forges a connection between his artwork and the marine ecosystem and creates new habitats - with clear social messages. The second European underwater museum has now opened off the coast of Cannes on the French Riviera.

Behind the mask: The Cannes Underwater Museum

It took four whole years to complete the planning and installation of the six monumental 3D portraits. Divers and snorkellers can now visit the sculptures in the shape of immense faces that are over two metres high and weigh more than nine tons, at the site off the sheltered southern side of the island of Sainte-Marguerite. With the mask-like design of these sculptures Taylor not only pays homage to the island of Sainte-Marguerite - where the famous Man in the Iron Mask was imprisoned in the 17th century - he also postulates a statement for the protection of the oceans. The masks of the sculptures symbolise the power and strength of the sea, which below the surface is a fragile world under threat of destruction by mankind.

“We call it a museum for a very important reason. Museums are places of preservation, conservation and education. They’re places where we keep objects of great value to us, where we value them simply for being themselves.”

Jason deCaires Taylor

Art for creating new ecosystems

Jason deCaires Taylor's art speaks a clear message: it is about educating people on the health of our oceans, as well as preserving and caring for sensitive marine ecologies. That is why his installations are made of non-toxic, pH-neutral marine cement. Coral larvae can attach to the rough surfaces and thrive, while numerous dark niches provide new habitats for fish and crustaceans. Art thus becomes an integral part of the local ecosystem and a channel for environmental messages. Divers and snorkellers can directly and intensely experience the extraordinary reality of marine life. The artworks come to life through their interaction with living underwater organisms and stand as a symbol of the indispensability of protecting the oceans.

For an overview of Jason deCaires Taylor's unique (under)water art, visit his website.

Discover Taylor's unique art