Seascape; by Karen Salinas Martinez, in Isla Mujeres
At the start of the MUSA circuit, located in the Manchones Gallery is a beautiful, detailed ring large enough for divers to swim through. This ring is one of three installations by Mexican artist Karen Salinas Martinez.
There are three Seascapes by Martinez and each one has been titled Seascape. While all three have the same similar elements, there are some slight changes in shape and composition.
Instead of putting down a landscape, the artist Karen Salinas Martinez wanted to put down a seascape; a painting seascape.
There are two of these Seascapes to be found in the Manchones Gallery, located in the Manchones National Park and both are upright circular archways.
The larger of the two Seascapes is big enough for a diver to swim through. On one side it is intricately carved (Both sides can be seen above) and the sea has embraced this artificial reef, claiming it for its own. The are now many sponges and sea fans attached to the statue and fire coral has claimed a place or two as well. Christmas tree worms adorne both Seascapes with their colorful crowns that are quickly withdrawn as divers approach.
The second of the two Seascapes is found close by the larger one and is significantly smaller; fish can swim through but a diver with a tank would definitely not fit.
The third Seascape is found in the Nizuc Gallery and is different. It is designed in a shape that is more square and it sits parallel to the ocean floor rather than perpendicular like the other two. Instead of being able to swim through this Seascape, it has the appearance of benches to be sat upon. There are carving on the surface of this Seascape as well.
The Seascapes are favorites of divers as they can interact with them. Especially with the larger one in Manchones. Many photos and memories are taken here. The statues are placed in shallow depths; the Manchones Gallery being at 9 mt/ 30 ft and the Nizuc Gallery being 4 mt/ 13 ft, so are great for snorkelers and divers of all levels.
Thank you to Roberto Diaz of MUSA and his amazing staff for helping me learn the meanings and artists' intentions behind each of the statues.
If you are truly interested in knowing more about the MUSA, then take some time out of your day and visit the headquarters in Cancun. The history is amazing and the new statues planned for future installations are an incredible sight to see.
Depth
9 meters / 30 feet
Experience Level
Entry Level, Beginners, and all levels of certified divers
Average Visibility Underwater
20-30 mt / 66-99 feet
Average Water Temp
28 C°/ 82F°
Dive Time
45 minutes (Parque National Rules)
To view the fish surveyed here with reef.org click HERE
