Octopus sand art marks launch of Eden Project summer programme

A giant octopus has appeared in the sand at Watergate Bay. The temporary artwork appeared on Tuesday morning as part of a one-off installation created by art collective Sand In Your Eye.

The detailed sand drawing was completed just in time for low tide and remained visible for only a short window before the sea reclaimed it.

Commissioned to launch the Eden Project’s Enchanted Earth programme, the artwork was designed to reflect some of the themes behind the new summer season, including the fleeting beauty and fragility of nature. The image of the octopus was chosen to symbolise rarely-seen wonders of the marine world, as warming waters continue to affect ocean life around the Cornish coast.

The Eden Project says this summer’s events invite visitors to explore the magic and mystery of nature, with theatre, immersive light displays, and hands-on activities running daily until 7 September. Attractions include large-scale art installations, animal puppetry performances, mineral dig pits and an interactive sound and light experience inside the main Biome.

Enchanted Earth will also feature the Natural History Museum’s Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition, with 100 winning images placed throughout the Eden site until late September.

Jamie Wardley, Artistic Director of Sand In Your Eye, said: “The Eden Project is inspirational in its positive and immersive outlook on nature and the challenges we face. So much so that it has influenced our own work and we have visited with our family a number of times. We are delighted to be making some beach art together!”

Kate Francis, the Eden Project’s Live Producer, said: “It’s been completely magical to kick off our summer programme with this incredible piece of art, which wasn’t here for long but made a big impact. Today’s sand art is just a flavour of the surprises in store at Enchanted Earth this summer, which features a whole roster of inspiring activities for people of all ages to discover. Conceived to conjure up captivating magical features seen in the natural world, Enchanted Earth creates an unmissable immersive experience that anyone visiting Cornwall this summer should put on their bucket list.”