The Banker

Overview

'The Banker' is a thought-provoking sculpture located within the extraordinary Cancun Underwater Museum (Museo Subacuático de Arte, or MUSA) in Cancún, Mexico. This unique sub-spot features a series of male figures in business suits, each with their head seemingly buried in the sand of the ocean floor. Part of the larger MUSA collection, 'The Banker' is situated in the Manchones Gallery, one of the museum's primary exhibition areas. At a depth of approximately 10 meters (33 feet), it is primarily explored by divers, though snorkelers can also catch glimpses of its striking composition. The sculpture is a powerful component of MUSA's mission, which merges contemporary art with critical environmental conservation, encouraging the growth of marine life on its purpose-built structures.

History & Cultural Background

The creation of 'The Banker' is attributed to the renowned British artist and MUSA co-founder, Jason deCaires Taylor. It was installed as part of MUSA's expansion in 2012. MUSA itself was conceived in 2009 by Jaime González Cano, then Director of the National Marine Park, and Taylor. Their vision was to divert the significant tourist traffic from the fragile natural coral reefs of Cancún, Isla Mujeres, and Punta Nizuc to an artificial reef system that would also serve as an underwater art installation. The sculptures, including 'The Banker', are crafted from specialized pH-neutral marine concrete, designed to actively promote the adhesion and growth of coral and other marine organisms. Originally, the sculpture group was titled 'The Politicians', but Taylor later changed it to 'The Bankers' to sharpen its critical commentary on societal values and environmental responsibility. This deliberate change highlighted a shift in focus towards the role of financial institutions in environmental issues and short-term economic gains over long-term ecological health.

What Makes It Special

'The Banker' stands out within MUSA's vast collection due to its potent symbolism and the critical message it conveys. The figures, depicted with their heads submerged in the sand and briefcases discarded nearby, represent a stark commentary on denial and willful ignorance regarding pressing environmental crises and capitalist short-sightedness. The sculptor, Jason deCaires Taylor, explained that these figures symbolize a resistance to acknowledge environmental problems, with their identical, prayer-like poses suggesting that monetary gain has replaced more idealistic values. Beyond its artistic statement, 'The Banker' is also a testament to MUSA's conservation efforts. The pH-neutral material actively fosters the development of new coral colonies, transforming the inert sculptures into vibrant, living ecosystems. Intricate design elements, such as internal cavities within the sculptures, provide shelter and breeding grounds for various marine species, including crustaceans and eels, making them dynamic habitats that evolve with the marine environment.

Stories, Fun Facts & Local Details

Jason deCaires Taylor often infuses his works with layers of meaning and subtle 'revenge' details. For 'The Banker', a memorable anecdote shared by Taylor reveals a cavity between the buttocks of the figures, specifically designed for marine life to inhabit—a playful, yet pointed, jab at the perceived short-sightedness of the figures they represent. Among the cluster of bankers, three central figures hold briefcases, with two of these having cell phones resting neatly on top, further emphasizing the modern distractions and priorities that contribute to environmental apathy. Interestingly, there's also a lesser-known, solitary seventh banker figure, installed separately from the main group, making it a rare find for some divers. The initial naming as 'The Politicians' and its subsequent change to 'The Bankers' underscores the artist's evolving focus on who holds responsibility in addressing global challenges. The transformation of these sculptures over time, as marine life colonizes them, means that no two visits are ever quite the same, offering a continuously evolving artistic and natural spectacle.

Visitor Perspective

Visiting 'The Banker' offers an unparalleled experience for those exploring the Cancun Underwater Museum. Given its depth of around 10 meters (33 feet), the sculpture is most thoroughly appreciated by certified divers. Diving allows for close examination of the intricate details, the marine life that has made the sculptures their home, and the full artistic intent of Taylor's arrangement. Divers can navigate around the figures, observing the coral growth and the diverse creatures that interact with this artificial reef. While snorkelers can glimpse the statues from above, a dive provides a more immersive and detailed encounter with the artwork and its evolving marine ecosystem. The clear, warm waters of Cancún typically offer excellent visibility, enhancing the experience. Exploring 'The Banker' not only provides a unique artistic encounter but also contributes to the broader conservation goals of MUSA, as visitor interest helps sustain this innovative approach to protecting the region's invaluable marine environment.