The controversial horse sculptures created by British underwater artist Jason de Caires Taylor may find a new permanent home in Arrecife, the capital of Lanzarote, if local authorities approve a new location proposal. The Cabildo, Lanzarote's island government, has submitted a formal request to Spain's Coastal Department to install the four "Rising Tide" horse sculptures near Playa Reducto, marking the latest development in an ongoing saga that has stretched over several years.
The sculptures were originally removed from their previous location at Castillo de San Juan in 2019 following significant controversy over their artistic merit and appropriateness. Local officials determined that the horse installations did not align with the distinctive artistic style of César Manrique, the renowned Canarian artist whose aesthetic vision has deeply influenced Lanzarote's cultural identity. Additionally, critics argued that the sculptures lacked authenticity since they are replicas of artworks originally displayed in London rather than original pieces created specifically for the island.
In their search for a suitable new location, the Cabildo's Heritage Department has carefully evaluated several potential sites while facing various constraints. Officials have definitively ruled out placing the sculptures near the historic Castillo de San Gabriel, citing regulations that protect the area around this listed building from modern artistic installations. Similarly, the department rejected the option of installing the horses on the Islote de Fermina, leaving fewer viable alternatives for the controversial artworks.
The current proposal centers on positioning the sculptures in the vicinity of Playa Reducto, with Punto de Camellos emerging as the most likely specific location. This headland, situated to the west of the popular beach, could provide an appropriate setting that balances artistic display with coastal regulations. The Cabildo made a significant financial commitment to the project last year, purchasing the four horse sculptures from Jason de Caires Taylor for 200,000 euros, demonstrating their dedication to finding a permanent home for the controversial artworks despite the ongoing placement challenges.
