New Cannes Underwater Museum

Details

After 4 years of development, the Cannes Underwater Museum "opened its doors" last February.

This work, by artist Jason de Caires Taylor, presents at a depth of 7 to 9 feet below the surface of the water six 3-dimensional portraits each measuring more than 6 feet in height.

Its location off Cannes, near the island of Sainte-Marguerite, and its shallow depth make it an easily accessible museum for divers of all experience levels.

Equipped with a mask and a snorkel, you can easily discover this absolutely incredible work, as if suspended in time and space.

Photo Credit: @jasondecairestaylor / https://www.underwatersculpture.com/​

What do these portraits represent?

The six portraits represent local members of the community and their diversity — a fisherman, schoolboy, elderly person, and child. The aim is to represent all age groups and occupations.

Photo Credit: @jasondecairestaylor / https://www.underwatersculpture.com/​

Why Cannes?

The portraits look like masks, symbols of the performing arts, a symbolic theme in Cannes, which hosts the famous international film festival every year.

Photo Credit: @jasondecairestaylor / https://www.underwatersculpture.com/​

To install his work, the artist first had to clear the site and clean it of all its marine debris. In addition, the portraits are designed using neutral Ph materials, in order to attract marine flora and fauna.

Photo Credit: @jasondecairestaylor / https://www.underwatersculpture.com/​