"Sirens of Sewage," a new addition to the series of contemporary art designs made to shed light on environmental issues, takes "center stage" in Whitstable, England after locals gave praise to its message and to the activist-volunteers it depicts, PA Media reports.
'Sirens of Sewage' Highlights Whitstable's Water Pollution Crisis
The artwork was made by underwater sculptor Jason deCaires Taylor, the same artist who debuted a collection of lifesize sculptures in the Caribbean last November. This time, Taylor endeavors to "reveal" Whitstable's water pollution issues through "Sirens of Sewage."
Like his Grenadan statues, Taylor made the Whitstable sculpture in the image of locals through lifesize casts. The "sirens" comprise a kite surfer, a schoolgirl, a lifeboat volunteer, a fisherman, a cold water swimmer, and members of the SOS Whitstable activist group.
The decision to depict the community's "ordinary citizens" was Taylor's attempt to highlight the role of run-of-the-mill individuals amid crises that affect a score of people.
Of the new installation, SOS Whitstable Co-founder Bryony Carter was quoted by PA Media saying: "To have his work on our shore is such a huge honor - for us and Whitstable."
He continued by expressing that the new artwork signifies their "ongoing battle with the sewage pollution problem," and serves as a celebration of the communal support fostered by their love of the sea.
As is usual for many of Taylor's underwater sculptures, the "Siren of Sewage" piece is made out of marine cement and locally sourced natural materials, with stainless steel incorporated within the statues for structural support.
The piece itself will remain at the Neptune pub by the seaside in the town of Kent, at least until August of this year.
A Collaborative Act of Protest Alongside SOS Whitstable
According to the Canterbury-born sculptor, he had always wanted to do a project for the benefit of his home region. For that, he decided to make a statement piece addressing the problem with sewage that is plaguing the area.
He also expressed his eagerness to work with SOS Whitstable, as he was already made aware of the issues and was a participant in some of the organization's demonstrations regarding the issues.
For Taylor, it is "unbelievable" that something as widely affecting as this issue even needs to be brought up in the first place, saying, "I hope this sculpture can add to the thousands of other voices screaming against this."
Originally, the piece was planned to be submerged, as that is what most of Taylor's pieces are made for, and has qualities that make it adapt to its underwater environment. However, SOS Whitstable and Taylor were not able to get the necessary permissions to do so.
Taylor hopes, though, that the sculpture would eventually find its home under the sea as a sort of "permanent protest."
