Angel Azul

Peter Coyote provides narration for Marcelina Cravat's beautifully shot documentary on art in the service of science. English-born sculptor Jason deCaires Taylor lives in the West Indies with his wife and child. After Hurricane Ivan devastates Grenada, Taylor decides to build a series of underwater sculptures to double as an artificial reef. Over time, coral, algae, and other biological entities begin to cover the cement figures, transforming them into creatures that simultaneously appear both elegant and eerie. Eventually, they will no longer be recognizable as human. Taylor's pieces also carry messages about global warming and water pollution, such as the heads-in-the-ground-figures of “The Politicians,” and “The Last Supper,” which depicts a repast of fish and hand grenades. “The Listener,” a body covered in ears, actually records the sounds of the reef. As word of his work spreads, Taylor receives invitations from other territories concerned with reef protection (grants and sponsorships pay for his work). In Mexico, the artist creates “The Silent Evolution,” a congregation of 400 figures that look quite realistic because Taylor used people in Cancún as models. In Angel Azul, Taylor and his team cover a woman from head to toe (only her nostrils remain visible) in goopy white silicone, a scene sure to incite claustrophobia in many viewers. Cravat follows the making of this piece, called “The Angel,” from start to finish. After the installation, Taylor leaves Mexico with his family for the Canary Islands, where he plans to create more underwater communities. An interesting portrait of a nontraditional artist, this is recommended. Aud: C, P. (K. Fennessy)