The Edition
facebook icon twitter icon instagram icon linkedin icon

Latest

Jason deCaires Taylor speaks out against controversial sculpture destruction

Ahmed Aiham
24 September 2018, MVT 16:00
Police working to remove the statues in Sirru Fenfushi Coralarium. PHOTO: POLICE
Ahmed Aiham
24 September 2018, MVT 16:00

Jason deCaires Taylor, the artist behind the contentious ‘Coralarium' at Fairmont Maldives’ Sirru Fen Fushi Resort, expressed concerns over the recent destruction of his sculptures.

“I was extremely shocked and heartbroken to learn that my sculptures have been destroyed by the Maldivian Authorities at the Coralarium, despite continued consultations and dialogue," he said in a statement.

An English sculptor and environmentalist, deCaires Taylor stated that his Coralarium was conceived to connect humans to the environment and to nurture a space for marine life to thrive, and nothing else.

The Coralarium was the first ever museum of its kind. The semi-submerged museum featured 14 humanoid sculptures which were heavily criticized by religious leaders and political figures.

“The Maldives is still beautiful, with a warm and friendly population but it was a sad day for art and a sad day for the environment,” said the renowned artist.

Meanwhile, his new installation titled ‘Nexus’ has been officially unveiled in Oslo, Norway. The new exhibition comprises of 15 sculptures in Oslofjord, an inlet situated south-east of Norway, and were commissioned as part of a new children’s art centre aiming to encourage the young community to explore the diverse marine life which surrounds the ‘Fjords’.

Share this story

Discuss

MORE ON NEWS