Sculptor Jason deCaires Taylor Raises Awareness with New Art Installation
Taylor's Topsides Sculpture Highlights the Threats of Water Company Discharges
Renowned sculptor and diver Jason deCaires Taylor, known for his stunning underwater installations, has turned his attention to a new topside project closer to his birthplace in Kent. The installation, part of his Siren Series, aims to draw attention to the hidden dangers of water company discharges into public waters.
Originally intended for a tidal area along the coast, similar to his previous Ocean Siren sculpture in Queensland, Australia, Taylor faced opposition from local authorities in Whitstable. As a result, the installation was ultimately placed on private land.
The Sirens of Sewage lifecasts, created in collaboration with the passionate team at SOS Whitstable and the Bertha Foundation, feature a cross-section of the Whitstable seaside community. The sculptures depict a cold water swimmer, a school child, a kite-surfer, a lifeboat volunteer, and a fisherman, with members of SOS Whitstable among them. This artwork serves as a powerful testament to the ongoing struggle and resilience of local activists who have tirelessly fought to hold water companies accountable for the safety of the sea along the Kent coast.
Taylor is a strong advocate for the nationalization or stricter regulation of the UK's water industry. He emphasizes the urgent need for action, pointing out that the timing of his installation coincided with Southern Water's discharge of untreated sewage for 89 hours. These discharges, often carried out discreetly overnight or through concealed outlets, remain a frequent occurrence in the Whitstable area.
With over 17 years of experience, Taylor has submerged more than 1,200 "living artworks" in underwater museums and sculpture parks. These submerged sculptures not only become colonized by marine life, contributing to the marine ecosystem, but also raise awareness of critical environmental issues.
Taylor's latest topside installation serves as yet another thought-provoking reminder of the pressing water pollution crisis and the need for immediate action. By highlighting the threats caused by water company discharges, Taylor hopes to inspire change and bring attention to the ongoing battle for cleaner and safer coastlines and waterways in the UK.
Analyst comment
Positive news. The Sirens of Sewage installation by Jason deCaires Taylor brings attention to water-company discharges and the persistent threats facing UK coastlines. It highlights the work of local activists and advocates for nationalization or stricter regulation of the water industry. The artwork underscores the urgency of the water pollution crisis, emphasizing the need for action. This could lead to increased awareness and efforts to address water pollution issues in the UK.
