Ghostly New Figures Haunt the Caribbean: Art or Something More?

The crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean have always held a certain allure,  but lately, they've become home to something a little more...ethereal. Ghostly new figures have been spotted lurking beneath the waves, sending shivers down the spines of locals and tourists alike.

Photo Credit: Jason deCaires Taylor/underwatersculpture.com

But fear not,  these spectral visitors aren't harbingers of doom; they're actually the latest artistic installation at Grenada's Molinere Bay Underwater Sculpture Park. 

Created by British sculptor and ecologist Jason deCaires Taylor,  the 31 new sculptures are part of the park's "Coral Carnival" expansion. Inspired by Grenada's vibrant carnival traditions,  the figures depict masqueraders, musicians,  and even a mischievous Jab Jab,  all frozen in time amidst the swaying coral.

Made from pH-neutral marine cement,  the sculptures are designed to blend seamlessly with the environment. They're not just art; they're also artificial reefs,  providing much-needed shelter for marine life. In just a few short days,  curious fish and crustaceans have already begun making these ghostly figures their home.

The "Coral Carnival" is getting a mixed bag of reviews. Some folks think the sculptures are hauntingly beautiful,  like something out of another world,  adding to the underwater scenery. Others find them unsettling,  even eerie. But deCaires Taylor believes that's part of the art's power.

"I want people to question what they're seeing," he says. "Are these ghosts of the past? Or visions of the future? The beauty of art is that it's open to interpretation."

These strange new underwater figures are definitely eye-catching,  some people might love them,  while others might find them a bit creepy. But one thing's for sure,  they've added something special and fascinating to the Caribbean's underwater world. So,  next time you're diving in the Grenadian seas,  keep an eye out – you might just encounter a spectral reveler amidst the coral castles.

Here are some additional details Grenada's about Molinere Bay Underwater Sculpture Park

1) The sculptures are made from a special type of concrete that mimics the pH of coral, encouraging marine life to colonize them.

2) This exciting project was funded by the Grenadian government. The goal is to attract more visitors to the island and give them a chance to experience its rich cultural heritage.

3) DeCaires Taylor is known for his underwater sculptures, which can be found in locations around the world,  including Mexico,  the Bahamas,  and Spain.