BREEF Unveils New Sculpture by World-Renowned Artist Jason deCaires Taylor at the Coral Reef Sculpture Garden

Lady of Coral becoming home to fish and other marine life at the BREEF Coral Reef Sculpture Garden. Photo Credit: Jason deCaires Taylor.

The Bahamas Reef Environment Educational Foundation (BREEF) is proud to announce the installation of a brand-new underwater sculpture by internationally acclaimed artist Jason deCaires Taylor. Taylor is celebrated worldwide for his iconic Ocean Atlas, the largest underwater statue on the planet, and a beloved Bahamian landmark.

The new sculpture has been added to the BREEF Sir Nicholas Nuttall Coral Reef Sculpture Garden & Coral Nursery,  a unique underwater classroom and living art space located within the Southwest Marine Managed Area (SWMMA) off the coast of the Clifton Heritage National Park. This installation continues BREEF’s mission to blend art, education, and marine conservation in a powerful, immersive way that inspires thousands of students, visitors, and ocean lovers every year.

“The sculptures are living art, changing as corals and other marine life grow over their surfaces, and vulnerable to threats such as pollution and warming waters. We are excited to see how this new sculpture transforms in the coming years. The sculpture garden is a focal point for celebrating the wonders of the ocean and inviting members of the public to join us in protecting it.” stated BREEF Executive Director, Casuarina McKinney-Lambert. 

The new sculpture named Lady of Coral celebrates the profound connection between land and sea. Two identical sculptures inhabit opposite sides of the Atlantic—one resting beneath the waters of Nassau, the other rising from a wild flower meadow on land. Each will be seeded with life: coral fragments nurtured in the adjacent BREEF coral nursery beneath the waves, and wildflowers flourishing above.

“Through this dialogue between ocean and land, the work evokes the interdependence of our world, reminding us that every ecosystem is part of a greater whole. The sculpture has been generously donated to the sculpture garden, where it will join the existing sculpture collection.” explained artist Jason deCaires Taylor.  

Created with environmentally friendly, marine-grade materials, the sculpture is designed to promote the growth of coral and provide shelter for fish and invertebrates. Installed adjacent to BREEF’s growing coral nursery, the artwork strengthens BREEF’s long-standing efforts to restore local reef ecosystems and enhance climate resilience.

The BREEF Coral Reef Sculpture Garden is not only home to Ocean Atlas and now Lady of Coral, but also contains works by Bahamian artists Andret John and Willicey Tynes. This site has become a cornerstone of BREEF’s environmental education programming. Each year, thousands of students experience the space through snorkel field trips and hands-on ocean literacy lessons, gaining a deeper understanding of the ocean’s crucial role in Bahamian life. BREEF extends its gratitude to all partners, volunteers, and supporters who made the installation possible.

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About BREEF The Bahamas Reef Environment Educational Foundation (BREEF) is a nonprofit dedicated to preserving marine biodiversity through education, advocacy, and sustainable practices. For over 30 years, BREEF has empowered Bahamians to protect their natural heritage. Learn more at www.breef.org.

Lady of Coral being transported into place with a lift bag. Photo credit: Michael Friefeld

Sculpture in place on a sandy part of the ocean floor with L to R,  artist Jason deCaires Taylor, BREEF Executive Director Casuarina McKinney-Lambert, and BREEF volunteer Synaee Cash. Photo credit: Michael Friefeld

Lady of Coral joins Ocean Atlas at the BREEF Coral Reef Sculpture Garden. Photo credit: Jason deCaires Taylor