This autumn Southwark Cathedral will host a flagship installation to mark the launch of its sustainability projects and pathway to achieving Net Zero Carbon by 2030. Luke Jerram’s Gaia will be installed for three weeks in October.
Image credit: Gareth Jones
Gaia is a touring artwork by UK artist Luke Jerram. Measuring seven metres in diameter and created from 120dpi detailed NASA imagery of the Earth’s surface* the artwork provides the opportunity to see our planet, floating in three dimensions.
Image credit: Phil Longfoot
The installation aims to create a sense of the Overview Effect, which was first described by author Frank White in 1987. Common features of the experience for astronauts are 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.
The artwork also acts as a mirror to major events in society. In light of the current COVID-19 pandemic, the artwork may provide the viewer with a new perspective of our place on the planet; a sense that societies of the Earth are all interconnected and that we have a responsibility toward one another. After the lockdown, there has been a renewed respect for nature.
When presented indoors, the Earth artwork slowly revolves. A specially made surround sound composition by BAFTA award winning Composer Dan Jones is played alongside the sculpture. In Greek Mythology Gaia is the personification of the Earth.
Southwark Cathedral together with its partner caterers are looking to secure like-minded event producers for special events and drinks receptions for a limited period of evenings across the residency.
Be first in the green queue and contact Rose Harding, Head of Events on 020 7367 6704 or rose.harding@southwark.anglican.org
For more information on Gaia: https://my-earth.org/about/