The artist behind a controversial water sculpture of a woman lying in a river says he would not change anything about it.

Some critics condemned the illuminated Alluvia when it was first installed in Canterbury’s River Stour, branding it “creepy and downright disgusting”.

It was even related to migrants drowning in the English Channel however, since its unveiling on Sunday, many have leapt to sculptor Jason deCaires Taylor’s defence.

Some are now dubbing his work Canterbury’s “Golden Girl”, while others have labelled the work “beautiful and a “contemporary asset to the city’s artistic culture.

Mr Taylor, a world-renowned underwater sculpture creator from Whitstable, says he was surprised by the outcry but proud of the work.

The figure, which can be seen beside Westgate Towers, is made of recycled glass and steel, with sensors to help gauge the river’s health.

“Art can be divisive and produce a varied response,” he said, following the launch event.

“But I’m very pleased with it and wouldn’t change a thing about her.”

“Already she is starting to mellow in the water and turning from white to a light brown.

“Over time, reeds will grow around her, algae will form a natural patina, and she will be subject to the river’s ebb and flow—both in water levels and clarity.

“Reabsorbed into nature, it tells a story of both the past and the future.”

He says he offered to create the new Alluvia after his previous river sculpture, installed in the Stour in 2008, became damaged beyond repair by dredging.

Mr Taylor says it took him almost five months to produce the statue, the trickiest part being installing the special LED lighting, which allows her to be illuminated at night.

The sculptor created the world’s first underwater sculpture park with 500 figures off the coast of Mexico and commissions take him all over the world.

Also an underwater photographer, he says his work, which often reflects environmental concerns, sometimes proves controversial when politics is involved.

But he always welcomes comment on his sculptures.

“The new Alluvia sculpture has certainly stirred the media,” he said, adding: “with some reports labelling it as highly controversial.

“While the feedback I’ve personally received has been overwhelmingly positive, not everyone shares that sentiment.

“Some people suggest the sculpture is morbid, and evokes thoughts of suicide or even migrant deaths in the English Channel - issues I believe certainly deserve more empathy and attention.

“It's an extremely tragic situation, and I don't think ignoring it is the solution. If it can foster any kind of care and sympathy for that situation, then I think that's a good thing.

“But to clarify, the sculpture is inspired by John Everett Millais’ painting Ophelia, a character from Shakespeare’s Hamlet.

“My intention is not to divide, but try to provoke thoughtful questions and emotions.

“Much of my work explores what lies beneath the surface— most often in water, but it also occasionally uncovers the systems of media/information that shape the world above.”

Stewart Ross, chairman of the Canterbury Commemoration Society, which commissioned the work, officially launched the new sculpture at a gathering with the artist, city councillors and supporters on Sunday.

He says the city should be grateful for someone of the world standing of Jason for creating the artwork and believes it will add to Canterbury’s vibrant art and cultural scene.

“The society only had one letter of complaint and that was from a woman in Orkney,” he said.

“Art is open to interpretation but more and more people are commenting on what a beautiful piece it is.

“The vast majority of those who have seen it love it, and quite honestly, if it’s not for you, don’t look.”

Mr Ross says a permanent plaque explaining the work will be installed soon and the sculpture’s illumination set up to come on automatically at night.

“Some might think she looks a bit ghostly at the moment but she will age gracefully in the river,” he added.

His only other local work is a temporary installation in his home town of Whitstable where he erected several figures on the beach carrying placards protesting at sewage pollution.

As agreed the installation has now been removed but a new permanent home in the town is being sought.