Only visible when diving: The Great Barrier Reef’s underwater art exhibition – stunning effects with sunlight refraction

▲ Exploring a gallery beneath the Great Barrier Reef is an incredibly unique experience. (Photo provided by Tourism and Events Queensland)

Travel Centre / Taipei Report

Viewing an art exhibition isn’t just about strolling and admiring — you need an oxygen tank and a full set of snorkeling gear to get there. Recently, the Great Barrier Reef in Queensland hosted an “underwater art exhibition,” showcasing six reef-inspired artworks on the seabed at a depth of four meters. To appreciate the pieces up close, you must don an oxygen tank and leisurely take them in.


▲ The Great Barrier Reef is one of the world’s most famous natural underwater wonders. (Photo provided by Tourism and Events Queensland)

This aluminum-coated painting exhibition beneath the sea draws inspiration from internationally renowned Queensland artist BJ Price. A native of Queensland, Price specializes in abstract expressionist painting. He said the Great Barrier Reef has always been his source of artistic inspiration and the sole muse behind his creative journey. “Inspiration is a truly magical thing. I believe all my artistic ideas stem from the Great Barrier Reef, and these artworks will also inspire people. They will encourage innovative ways to care for the health of the reef.”


▲ A giant turtle sculpture will be placed on the surface above the exhibition site as a marker. (Photo provided by Tourism and Events Queensland)

Divers and snorkelers can reach Moore Reef by boat in about 90 minutes from the coast of Cairns. On the magical underwater platform of Moore Reef, visitors can witness the wonders of this submerged gallery. Price said bringing the works back to the Great Barrier Reef, the place that inspired him the most, and returning to the natural environment where it all began, makes everything feel extraordinarily magical. Meanwhile, Jackie O'Brien from Brisbane, visiting the Great Barrier Reef for the first time, experienced this unique underwater art exhibition and described the color effects of the paintings, complemented by the coral, as beyond imagination. “Add to that the reflection of sunlight underwater — it feels absolutely amazing!”

All the artworks were created locally in Australia using special aluminum-coated paints. These ensure the artworks enhance the beauty of the Great Barrier Reef without harming the coral reef ecosystem. The exhibition is taken down daily to guarantee no adverse environmental impact. Mr. Price also specially created a black-and-white patterned giant turtle sculpture titled “Alpha,” which floats on the surface above the exhibition site, serving as a guidepost for snorkelers and divers eager to see the underwater display.


▲ Sunlight refracting into the sea creates extraordinary effects as it dances across the artworks. (Photo provided by Tourism and Events Queensland)