The Amazing Underwater Sculpture Park in Grenada

Located in the Caribbean sea off the western Grenada cost lies the Molinere Underwater Sculpture Park created by British artist Jason de Cairnes Taylor. The Underwater Sculpture Park is located right outside St. Georges in the Molinere Beausejor Marine Protected Area. This world’s largest underwater park was made open to public in May of 2006. It highlights Grenada’s colorful history, folklore and culture.

The Molinere Bay was damaged due to storm surge about a decade ago. This caused damage to more than 80% of the seabed, and it was found that it will take another 10-80 years for the corals to develop again. This underwater project was constructed to rehabilitate and regenerate marine life in the area by providing habitat for underwater animals to live by serving as artificial reefs. The sculptures put in place can also provide new surfaces through which corals can grow.

The sculptures are located in clear, shallow waters of the Caribbean in order to allow easier access for snorkelers, divers, water sports enthusiasts and glass-bottom boats. Tourists can take a boat from the main port of St. Georges or the Grand Anse Bay to reach the site. Today, the area now spans over 800 square meters with over 65 individual sculptures, totaling about 15 tons of dry cement.

The installation of the sculpture started in 2006, which started with Grace Reef consisting of 16 concrete statues cast from a Grenadian woman. Sets of statues were continuously installed in 2006 and 2007 including the Vicissitudes, which is Taylor’s most recognized work consisting of a ring of 26 children holding hands. In 2010 and 2011, sculpture by local craftsman Troy Lewis were installed in the park. The works are art are created with pH-neutral, high density marine cement that has been carefully engineered to last hundred of years for future generations to enjoy. The works of art are positioned underwater at a particular season to coincide with coral spawning.

The physical appearance of the underwater statues appear different from its natural look in dry land. Since objects appear at least 25% larger underwater, the statues appear more majestic and closer. Colors also alter as light from the sun is reflected and absorbed at different speeds, depending also on the depth of the water. All these factors create a very unique experience for anyone who visits. Furthermore, as marine life settles onto the statues, the appearance of the sculptures also alter with time. The most recent work by Taylor was installed late in 2014 and was called Ocean Atlas. The Ocean Atlas is the largest single sculpture in the park created in the model of a colossal girl resting sideways on one bent knee.

Divers and snorkelers are always pleasantly surprised about the intricate relationship of art and nature portrayed by the works in the park. The Underwater Park in Grenada serves to draw tourists away from diminishing natural reef areas. Instead of creating more environmental stress on them due to overfishing, global warming and water pollution, artificial reefs create a unique avenue to explore the beauty and diversity of the island with minimal impact on marine life.

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