It’s already one of nature’s most epic natural masterpieces – a complex, fragile and spectacular living sculpture with something new to see and appreciate each time you view it. And just when you thought the Great Barrier Reef couldn’t be more inspiring, it’s now become an art piece in the purest sense of the word, with the launch of Stage One of the Museum of Underwater Art (MOUA).
Located in Townsville North Queensland in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, MOUA is a series of installations by world-famous underwater sculptor Jason deCaires Taylor that highlight reef conservation, restoration, and education, and a deep connection to the community.
Though it looks like the stuff of your most surreal dreams, MOUA is not only a uniquely beautiful spectacle, but an innovative blend of art, marine science and culture.
The significance of MOUA
The awe-inspiring MOUA lays claim to being the only underwater art museum in the Southern Hemisphere, and its creator Jason deCaires Taylor was one of the first contemporary artists to use the underwater realm as an exhibition space. After exploring themes of conservation with his underwater art at MUSA in Mexico and Museo Atlantico in Spain, it’s only fitting he then set his sights on arguably the world’s most famous underwater environment: the Great Barrier Reef.
Not just a world-first stunning art installation and must-do tourist attraction, MOUA is a new habitat for marine creatures, and even a marine laboratory. Water salinity, pH and oxygen levels are monitored, and an underwater camera captures the development of the corals. Scientists, marine students and tourists will all have the opportunity to learn more about the reef and its wonders.
As well as the conservation element, the museum is about preserving history through installations inspired by the local community, their stories of the reef, and the culture of its First Nations people.
Where to see the Museum of Underwater Art
“Ocean Siren” | The Strand, Townsville
The “Ocean Siren” sculpture rises dramatically out of the sea,modelled after 12-year-old Takoda Johnson, a member of the local Wulgurukaba people, one of two traditional owners of the local land. Installed alongside Townsville’s iconic jetty at The Strand, she’s accessible to be viewed by everyone who walks along The Strand (hint: make sure you catch a glimpse from dusk onwards, when she really comes into her own).
This is because Ocean Siren’s 202 internal LED lights change colour according to the ocean’s temperature, using data collected from from the Australian Institute of Marine Science weather station on Davies Reef, Great Barrier Reef. Not just a kaleidoscopic light display, the ever-changing, solar-powered sculpture is a reminder of our planet’s rising sea temperatures.
The sculpture was designed as an artistic and starkly visual connection for the urban environment to actually understand what’s happening to the marine environment in real-time, with a vision to inspire reef and ocean conservation action.
“Coral Greenhouse” | John Brewer Reef
The “Coral Greenhouse” sculpture at John Brewer Reef off the coast of Townsville offers a never-to-be-forgotten underwater experience. It features a nine-metre stainless steel greenhouse structure, designed to dissipate the ocean’s undercurrents. Inside are 20 “reef guardian” sculptures of marine science students, which will grow over time with coral to attract new marine life to the Great Barrier Reef.
It’s the largest MOUA installation, and the first-ever underwater building created by the artist. The site was chosen specifically for its clear visibility, natural coral walls and sandy, flat base – while it can be viewed with a snorkel, it’s best experienced as a dive for a thorough exploration of all its beautiful details. Just be prepared for your jaw to (figuratively) hit the sea floor.
What’s next for MOUA?
Palm Island
Palm Island, situated 65 kilometres north-west of Townsville on the east coast of Queensland, is also called by the Aboriginal name “Bwgcolman”. The largest island of the Greater Palm Group, it’s known for its crystal-clear waters, pristine sands and natural coral reef.
MOUA aims to highlight this natural beauty through an installation that connects the cultural story of Palm Island to the land and sea. Extensive consultation around the concept designs is ongoing with the Palm Island community and Traditional Owners to best showcase the link between Indigenous culture and the reef.
It’s expected the Palm Island sculptures will be installed by the end of 2021.
Magnetic Island
It’s envisaged Stage Three of the Musuem of Underwater Art will be installed on sunny Magnetic Island, situated just 8km off the coast of Townsville, North Queensland.
Stage Three is expected to be completed by December 2021.
How to get to the Museum of Underwater Art
While Ocean Siren is viewable from The Strand without so much as getting your feet wet, experiencing the Coral Greenhouse requires a boat, breathing apparatus and a sense of adventure. A selection of commercial tour operators have licences to operate tours to the installation at John Brewer Reef in conjunction with MOUA.
These are the tour operators that will take you to explore this phenomenal art project under the sea:
· Adrenalin Dive Townsville (from 2 August 2020)
· Yongala Dive Burdekin (from 20 August 2020)
· ProDive Magnetic Island (from mid-September 2020)
· Orpheus Island Resort (on request)
· SeaLink Queensland (from early 2021)
A whole new way to connect with the coastal and marine wonders of Queensland, the Museum of Underwater Art will inspire, educate and amaze, and make all who experience it fall in love with the Great Barrier Reef even more than before.
Looking for more unique ways to experience the Great Barrier Reef? Here are a few more of our favourites.
Published by Katie Stow
