From Africa to America

As so often with "art" ... it has a way of taking on a meaning beyond what the original intent of its creator had in mind. Jason deCaires Taylor, in his underwater sculpture park, “Vicissitudes”, is located in the Caribbean Sea off the coast of Grenada, did not create his underwater sculpture of 26 youthful figures holding hands as a memorial and memory to those that perished in the Middle Passage crossing. But, in the passage of time, Taylor lost the battle for its meaning. Originally, it was about being a symbol of unity and resilience.  For those who have experienced a visit to his artwork, they have given his creation an altered interpretation. It now is a memorial giving memory to African ancestors thrown overboard because they either didn't survive the crossing or rebelled against their imprisonment and died in the struggle.  It is often said that the largest grave yard on the planet are our oceans. And this being the Atlanta Ocean, it is a grave yard for those lost in the crossing.