Feel like an Atlantean and critique like an artist.
When we deliberate over visiting a museum or an art gallery, we never believed we would have the option of choosing to be both, above and below sea level to admire works of art. Australia is finally exploring the possibilities of spending more time beneath the waves admiring more than whales, sharks and fish.
The first of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere, Townsville will be home to MOUA, the Museum of Underwater Art. Perhaps the concept of Aquaman isn’t outlandish. It would seem the underwater museum channels aesthetics similar to that of the lost city of Atlantis.
The new underwater museum explores themes of conservation, artistic innovation and classic design. In contrast, promoting and sharing stories of First Nations people. It’s more than an Instagram opportunity, and patrons will experience art like never before, viewing world-famous underwater art collections and installations delving into reef conservation, and allowing viewers to experience the Great Barrier Reef like never before.
The first installation is already complete, featuring sculptor Jason DeCaires Taylor. Visitors will enjoy a magical 16-foot sculpture modelled after local Wulgurukaba Traditional Owner Takoda Johnson. What’s cooler is the magnificent piece will change colour according to the ocean’s temperature.
Another installation below sea level depicts a Coral Greenhouse, which is filled with twenty reef guardians sitting at the bottom on the seafloor of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. To see this installation up close, viewers will need to delve into the depths of the ocean with a guided diver.
Sculptor Jason DeCaires Taylor stated, “The Museum of Underwater Art aims to create a (kind-of a) portal or an interface into our underwater world. A way to explore the Great Barrier Reef. To tell stories of the Great Barrier Reef and for people to understand what a fragile, beautiful and sacred space it really is,”
