Art / luke jerram
Luke Jerram’s ‘Gaia’ to be hosted by Bristol Cathedral
Having welcomed 65,000 visitors to the hugely successful Museum of the Moon in 2021, Bristol Cathedral will once more be hosting artwork from internationally renowned local artist Luke Jerram in the autumn of 2024.
From October 15, Jerram’s giant earth installation, Gaia, will be returning to his home town, where it will be in situ for three and a half weeks, alongside a wide programme of events and activities intended to elevate the visitor experience.
The sculpture measures seven metres in diameter, which equates to 1.8 million times smaller than the Earth it represents. When suspended in an indoor setting, it slowly revolves to a soundtrack composed by BAFTA Award-winning Dan Jones.
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Luke Jerram with Gaia at Dresden Cathedral, Germany, 2023 – photo: (c) Oliver Killig
Jerram’s aim in creating the work, which has now been seen around the world, was to recreate the Overview Effect – a phenomenon first coined by author Frank White in 1987 that sums up the common experience of astronauts seeing the Earth from space: “a feeling of awe for the planet, a profound understanding of the interconnection of all life, and a renewed sense of responsibility for taking care of the environment”.
Over the installation period, four special evening ‘Up Late’ events will be held where audiences can enjoy the spectacle in darkness, accompanied by live music.
Gaia at Liverpool Cathedral for Liverpool City Council’s River Festival, 2019 – photo: (c) Gareth Jones
There will also be a one-off Blue Planet concert on October 24, performed by Bristol Ensemble.
“We are delighted to be welcoming Gaia, the Earth artwork, to Bristol Cathedral where it will be the centrepiece of a rich programme of events, including world music, discussions and children’s activities,” says The Very Rev’d Mandy Ford, Dean of Bristol.
Concert under Gaia. HOTA, Gold Coast, Australia – photo: (c) Scott Belzner
“The Museum of the Moon attracted visitors to the Cathedral who had never visited before and who discovered our beautiful historic building, encountered our welcoming community and experienced the awe and wonder of the Moon.
“I am excited to see how Gaia will do the same for Earth – and hope that many will come and see the artwork in all its glory.”
Cathedral interior – photo: Bristol Cathedral
Gaia will come to Bristol Cathedral from October 15-November 9, with an events programme to be announced, including a one-off Blue Planet concert on October 24.
Sign up to Bristol Cathedral’s Newsletter for priority access to updates and tickets. Full line up and tickets will be available at the end of July.
Main photo: National Environment Research Council (NERC) (Photo of Luke Jerram with Gaia)
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