Seascape; by Karen Salinas Martinez, in Isla Mujeres

photo credit @jamie_justaddwater

At the start of the MUSA circuit 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. There are now many sponges and sea fans attached to the statue, and fire coral has also claimed a place or two. Christmas tree worms adorn both Seascapes with colourful crowns that are quickly withdrawn as divers approach.

Credit Malek Productions

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 not fit.

copyright the-still.com

The third Seascape is found in the Nizuc Gallery and is different. It is designed in a square shape and 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 favourites 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 at 9 mt/ 30 ft and the Nizuc Gallery at 4 mt/ 13 ft, so they are great for snorkelers and divers of all levels.

Thank you to Roberto Diaz of MUSA and his fantastic staff for helping me learn the meanings and artists' intentions behind each statue.

If you are genuinely interested in knowing more about MUSA, take some time out of your day and visit the headquarters in Cancun. The history is impressive, and the new statues planned for future installations are incredible.

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.

Dive Master Mapping Project - Casitas - Simon Palmer