The greenhouse effect and pollution are becoming increasingly serious issues, so environmental protection is definitely an urgent matter! In order to raise awareness about marine ecology, the Museum of Underwater Art (MOUA) in Townsville, on the east coast of Queensland, Australia, specifically invited British sculptor Jason deCaires Taylor to collaborate on showcasing two art pieces, in order to highlight this important environmental issue.
The two works that combine art and environmental themes are “Coral Greenhouse” and “Ocean Siren.” “Coral Greenhouse” is located in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. It is made of stainless steel and concrete, using materials with a neutral pH value to create a “submarine greenhouse” weighing about 165 tons, allowing coral and other underwater plants to grow naturally.
The main structure of this greenhouse is a huge triangle, and in order to allow fish, starfish, and other marine life to move through the greenhouse, Jason deCaires Taylor deliberately created a mesh of gaps. Once the greenhouse is filled with colorful coral and more and more fish gather to inhabit it, this art installation will take on a vibrant new look!
Carefully observing this piece of art, you will discover that there are actually 20 portrait sculptures placed inside the greenhouse! The sculptures depict students observing corals, with their appearance and actions portrayed in great detail, highlighting the relationship between people and nature, symbolizing the importance of understanding and protecting the beautiful and precious ocean.
“The Coral Greenhouse” is an art piece submerged on the seabed, while another piece, “Ocean Alarm,” stands above the water’s surface! “Ocean Alarm” is about 4 meters tall, resembling a Statue of Liberty, with one hand holding up a shell, urging everyone to pay attention to marine ecology. Additionally, this art piece is equipped with 202 LED lights, all powered by solar panels, and the lights change color according to the temperature of the seawater, emitting blue, yellow, orange, red, and other colors. When all the LED lights on “Ocean Alarm” turn red, it means the ocean has reached its highest temperature, prompting reflection on the impact of climate change on the marine environment and natural ecology.
Jason deCaires Taylor’s two art pieces not only showcase design aesthetics but also remind us to pay attention to ecological issues, practice environmental protection in our daily lives, and not let the precious natural environment bear a heavy cost.
Image Source: Jason deCaires Taylor, MOUA – Museum of Underwater Art @facebook, underwatersculpture.com
