Location (see map): BASK Gili Meno, Indonesia
Depth: 4m
Installation Date: 2017
Nest depicts a circle of 48 life-size figures off the coast of Gili Meno, a small island between Bali and Lombok in Indonesia that is famed for its crystal clear waters and turtle population.
In the hauntingly beautiful work, embracing couples encircle yet more figures curled up on the seafloor. The circular formation evokes time and continuum. The interlocking pieces connect to provide a platform for marine life to colonise and inhabit.
Forty per cent of the world’s coral reefs have been lost over the past few decades and scientists predict more is now at risk. Nest aims to remind visitors of the many fragile treasures beneath the sea.
Commissioned by BASK, an ecologically conscious island resort, Nest has been gifted to the local community. The man-made reef is situated in shallow water in swimming distance of a beach that is open to all, including the island’s permanent population of 500 people.
The sculptures are made from pH neutral, environmental-grade cement and anchored to the seabed. Within a year, Nest will provide a home for soft corals and sponges, which in turn will encourage other marine life. This paves the way for delicate hard corals and eventually a fully established reef will form.
To discover more of Jason deCaires Taylor’s projects, view Exploring the Underwater World Through Sculpture here.
Commissioned by: BASK Gili Meno
Materials: Stainless steel, pH neutral cement, basalt and aggregates
To see more images of Jason deCaires Taylor’s Nest visit the full gallery.
First and foremost, Nest is an environmental space. The figures are arranged in a circular formation as an echo of the circle of life and reminder of how we are all interconnected in one way or another.
Jason deCaires Taylor
