The Underwater Monument

American monuments reflect the history and ideals of society. However monuments become lost over time, even if they are erected in public space. Those who seek the monuments create resurrection. Through the lens of contemporary society there is more of a push for accessibility and practicality suppressing awareness in physical context of objects such as monuments. We are able to scour the web and find images therefore experiencing the aesthetics and context on much too basic of a level.

I propose a monument in the most abstract of place. This place is not void of paparazzi, but does change the scope in which the viewer must seek this physical form. My hope is to renew the idea of monument by rejecting usual placement and encouraging expedition among natives and tourist alike. To seek this underwater behemoth is not without objective, but when found the viewer will contemplate location and context. The structure will be

78ftx80ftx40ft. If lost, the monument may survive and become a great find for future archeology.

The form does not come without context. In tradition manner, I create a form within the interest of my aesthetic and resolve. The monument is abstract in nature but pulls for the history of culture and finds meaning in contemporary social issues. Radial composition has historically brought reference to rebirth and the transience of life. This is evident in “Akhenaten and His Family” an ancient Egyptian limestone relief. The sphere is meant to resemble the sun god, Rah

whom is reborn in the form of sunrise. In Japanese culture the cherry blossom is an annual reminder of how brief life is. Imagery of cherry blossoms can

represent birth

and death, a circular belief in life. These ideas are represented in the monument, the idea of this monument resurrecting discovery

and spiritualism in our fact-based, objective society.The placement of the monument must show constant change. This will further the contextual implications of the work. Great change has

occurred in the Gulf of Mexico over the last decade and would be ideal for this placement. With hurricane Katrina and The BP oil spill we will see much renewal in life, structure and spirit. The circular form of the gulf will also add context.

Building materials will be around 4 million. The structure will be made of a unique stone, which promotes coral growth, carved on location and moved underwater. Over time, the stone will be effected by the underwater environment becoming homes for new life.