Renowned Argentine conceptual artist Leandro Erlich has unveiled his latest large-scale installation titled 'CONCRETE CORAL' during Miami Art Week, featuring an extraordinary display of 22 automobiles positioned 20 feet underwater. The ambitious artwork transforms the concept of an underwater car graveyard into a thought-provoking commentary on urban decay and environmental transformation.
The installation creates a surreal underwater landscape where visitors can observe the submerged vehicles through viewing platforms and underwater viewing chambers. Each of the 22 cars has been carefully positioned to create an artificial reef-like environment, with the vehicles serving as both sculptural elements and potential habitats for marine life. The artwork challenges viewers' perceptions of waste, transformation, and the relationship between human-made objects and natural ecosystems.
Erlich, known for his optical illusions and interactive installations that blur the boundaries between reality and perception, spent months planning and executing this complex project. The artist worked with marine engineers and environmental specialists to ensure the installation would not harm the local aquatic environment while creating maximum visual impact. The cars were specially treated and prepared to be safely submerged without releasing harmful substances into the water.
'CONCRETE CORAL' represents Erlich's continued exploration of themes related to urban life, environmental change, and the unexpected beauty that can emerge from decay and transformation. The installation invites viewers to contemplate the lifecycle of modern consumer objects and imagine how human artifacts might evolve when reclaimed by nature. The project is expected to remain on display throughout Miami Art Week, attracting both art enthusiasts and environmental advocates who are drawn to its powerful visual metaphor and ecological message.
