The Underwater Museum: The Submerged Sculptures of Jason deCaires Taylor

by Jason deCaires Taylor

A one-of-a-kind blend of art, nature, and conservation, The Underwater Museum re-creates an awe-inspiring dive into the dazzling under-ocean sculpture parks of artist Jason deCaires Taylor. Taylor casts his life-size statues from a special kind of cement that facilitates reef growth, and sinks them to the ocean floor. There, over time, the artworks attract corals, algae, and fish, and evolve into beautiful and surreal installations that are also living reefs. This volume brings readers face to face with these wonders and explains the science behind their creation. Ocean enthusiasts, divers, art lovers, and anyone entranced by the natural world will be instantly engrossed by this pearl of a book.

Genres: Science, Nonfiction, Art

128 pages, Hardcover

First published January 28, 2014

Reviews

[Tom Schulte · Rating 3 out of 5]

The concept of beautifully photographed documentation of statues placed under ocean water was so intriguing that I read this in a single sitting. Initial, introductory essays relate how the author turned from scuba to sculpture before uniting these passions. Generally with an anti-establishment, anti-apathy theme, many of the figurative works are shown in various stations of transition from installation to reef transformation.

[Mary Manifold · Rating 5 out of 5]

AWESOME! This book is more than beautiful pictures of underwater art work (although there are plenty of those!). Jasone deCaires Taylor is working to create artificial reefs, protect at risk reef habitats by providing tourists alternate dive/viewing locations and raise awareness of reef conservation issues; all through art! Cause art has never been so beautiful or compelling!

[Jo Dunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

My brother-in-law was a deep-sea diver (complete with helmet and air hoses!). Because of the external air system/hose (he had no/little control over his air situation when he was underwater - depending on the depth) it was necessary to have a dock-side "tender" while he was under water. That was ME!!

My job was to watch/listen to make certain the air compressor didn't stop, his hose didn't kink and the "bubbles" - that assured me that he hadn't "ceased to exist" - continued without interruption!! I was paid $5.00 an hour (VERY good pay back then!) plus a restaurant lunch, I got to work on my Coppertone tan and I enjoyed watching the seagulls (and, of course, the bubbles!!).

My BiL enjoyed underwater photography in addition to his very well-paying job; many of the photos in this book reminded me of those bygone summer days! I enjoyed the walk down Memory Lane! 5*

[Jon Wlasiuk · Rating 3 out of 5]

A coffee table book featuring the underwater art of Jason deCaires Taylor.

[Maktimah #20sen · Rating 5 out of 5]

It would be great to have a vacation underwater and see the blue seas. This book is marvellous. The part that I like is the statue is in underwater. The statue look mysterious and scary, though