Molinere Bay Underwater Sculpture Park installs 31 new sculptures

Source: WIC News
Author: Sasha Baptiste

Grenada: The famous Molinere Bay Underwater Sculpture Park has installed 31 new sculptures on the site. It is the world's first-ever sculpture park that includes an amazing artistic model.

The project was initiated under the Ministry of Implementation and Tourism of Grenada to exhibit the rich culture and history of the nation.

The Underwater Sculpture Park is located on the west coast of the island, which is strictly a marine protected area, and it was created by British sculptor and ecologist Jason deCaires Taylor in the year 2006.

The new additions were installed in Coral Carnival. The sculptures inserted are based on 'Spicemas.'

Notably, the Specimas is Grenada's popular carnival that represents an iconic masquerader such as the "Jab Jab", which symbolizes the freedom of Grenadians.

The creator, Taylor, made a statement that the carnival is obviously a very strong part of Grenada's culture and history, so the story must reach the people.

"It's been quite interesting to learn about all the different masqueraders and the history behind them," the creator commented.

About Sculptures

Every single sculpture was partly constructed in the United Kingdom. They are based on the real-life models who posed for the artists.

It is to be noted that most of the new pieces were sculptured by Taylor in collaboration with numerous other local artists to ensure that they represent the characters.

Out of 31 sculptures, four are created by the Grenadian artist Troy Lewis. The sculptures are the portrayals of the Christ of the Deep.

Notably, the sculpture is a replica of the statue given to the Grenadian people in recognition of the protection and help which was provided to the crew and passengers of the 'Bianca C'.

The figurines are made up of high-grade stainless steel and pH-neutral cement and are designed as artificial coral reefs with holes in them.

The vacant spaces are left as shelters to attract marine creatures such as fish, crabs, octopuses and many more. It is designed in such a manner that it looks like a spectacular natural habitat.

It is to be added in Taylor's remarks that the marine life had already made itself at home within the sculptures days after they were installed in the park.

He further shared an anecdote that there was an octopus that moved into one of the bases, which was soothing to witness. The creator added and described how a family of crabs had also moved into the base of one of the sculptures and discovered a stingray in another.

Reacting to the questions of how and what colours he used for the first time to paint the underwater sculpture, he said, "Normally, they're very grey, and this time, we used natural pigments actually to paint the sculptures."

Taylor expressed that he is quite interested in seeing how those change and whether they'll be colonized in any different way. "Marine life is very influenced by colours," he added.