Jason deCaires Taylor is an artist from Kent, England, specializing in underwater sculptures. His recent creation submerged in the Caribbean features 25 life-sized cast sculptures of Grenadan locals, an installation he dubbed "Coral Carnival."
According to Taylor, the artwork was inspired by an annual carnival in Grenada called "Spicemas," famous for its vibrant costumes and celebrated as a tribute to the islands' spice production. Taylor told the BBC that his new works have been decorated with "natural pigments like squid ink and turmeric," as a reference to the lively colors present in the annual carnival.
Each of the sculptures was molded using high-grade stainless steel material mixed with pH-neutral cement suitable for algae growth. Afterward, the cast sculptures are furnished with varying jewels, sequin fabrics, and feathers, before they are all brought to the Molinere Underwater Sculpture Park located 9.8 feet below the surface.
Similarly, this is what Randall Dolland, chairman of the Grenada Tourism Authority, hopes to achieve with Taylor's new "Coral Festival" installment, saying in a statement that, "This expansion not only enhances the visitor experience but also deepens our connection to the rich cultural tapestry of our nation."
