A controversial underwater sculpture that has divided public opinion since its installation has been shortlisted for a prestigious national art award. The Alluvia, a lifelike model of a woman positioned on the riverbed of the River Stour near Canterbury's historic Westgate Towers, has been nominated for the Public Statues and Sculpture Association's annual Excellence in Public Sculpture award.
The sculpture was installed in September of last year and draws inspiration from Shakespeare's tragic character Ophelia from Hamlet. Created by internationally acclaimed artist Jason deCaires Taylor, the artwork was commissioned by the Canterbury Commemoration Society as part of the city's cultural heritage initiatives.
However, the installation immediately sparked heated debate among local residents who voiced strong objections to both its positioning and realistic human appearance. Many critics took to Canterbury City Council's Facebook page to express their concerns, describing the sculpture as disturbing and inappropriate. Craig Logman wrote a particularly scathing review, stating, "I find this sculpture absolutely appalling. It's not just offensive, it's downright disturbing. The imagery of a submerged figure, reminiscent of a drowning victim, is both morbid and utterly tone-deaf given the tragic drownings that occur along our coastlines. Frankly, it should be removed immediately."
Samantha Bowen echoed similar sentiments, adding her concern about the sculpture's potential associations with violence against women and refugee drownings off the Kent coast. "I can't be the only person who finds this deeply offensive," she commented. "She looks like a drowned woman. How did the council not see the link to women as victims of crime or the sad fact that so many drown off the Kent coast as refugees? I'm stunned at the naivety of those who approved this."
Despite the criticism, both the Canterbury Commemoration Society and local government officials have stood firmly behind the artistic work. Councilor Charlotte Cornell, the cabinet member for culture, has consistently defended the sculpture, describing the diverse range of reactions it generates as "the beauty of art." Following the recent award nomination, Cornell praised the artwork once again, emphasizing its multifaceted nature and artistic merit.
"Alluvia changes with the waters. She is beautiful and she is tragic," Cornell explained. "You can read sadness into her if you like, or you can read a reflection on nature and human damage to our waterways, or perhaps she is Ophelia and a representation of the great contribution this city has made to literature. The reason she is great art is that she is 100 different things to 100 different people. She is well deserving of a vote to win this important award."
Beyond the aesthetic controversy, the sculpture has faced additional challenges related to its physical condition. By April, concerns were raised about algae and silt accumulation that quickly covered the artwork, obscuring its features and raising questions about maintenance. However, creator Jason deCaires Taylor defended this natural weathering process, explaining that all his artworks are specifically designed to interact with their aquatic environments and undergo seasonal changes in appearance and visibility.
The artist emphasized that there is no regular cleaning schedule for Alluvia, though it does receive an annual condition assessment. Taylor explained that the sculpture's changing appearance throughout the year, sometimes appearing and sometimes disappearing under natural elements, is an intentional part of the artistic concept.
The current sculpture actually serves as a replacement for a previous work by Taylor that had deteriorated due to damage from the River Stour's fast-flowing waters. The new Alluvia incorporates advanced materials and technology, constructed from recycled glass, marine-grade stainless steel, and featuring LED lighting that illuminates the sculpture at night. Additionally, the artwork includes integrated environmental monitoring sensors, making it both an artistic statement and a functional tool for ecological observation.
The winner of the Public Statues and Sculpture Association award will be determined entirely through public voting, with the voting period remaining open until Sunday, October 5. Members of the public can cast their votes through the PSSA website, giving community members the ultimate say in whether this polarizing artwork receives official recognition for artistic excellence.
