Luke Jerram has transformed Bristol Cathedral into a place of awe-inspiring artistry with the arrival of his giant hanging artwork, Gaia. The installation, which is a to-scale depiction of Earth, will hang in the Cathedral’s nave from Tuesday 15th October until Saturday 9th November, and will be accompanied by a series of special events.
Luke’s installation was designed to recreate what’s known as the Overview Effect, a phenomenon first described by author Frank White in 1987 which encompasses what Common features of the experience for astronauts, who are in space seeing Earth for the first time, 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 brings to the cathedral a diverse and uplifting four-week long programme of events. Adding an atmospheric twist to the programme, a new ‘Up Lates’ music series will take place on Friday evenings. Guests will be invited to soak in the beauty of Gaia and the Cathedral’s stunning architecture after dark, where the lights will go down and the artwork’s ethereal beauty comes to life. From 6pm to 9pm, visitors can enjoy live music curated by St George’s Bristol, ranging from Jazz, Global Roots to Electronica alongside a themed pop-up bar.
This is the first time that Gaia has been installed in a place of worship in Bristol, and the Cathedral’s accompanying programme of events will see faith, science and art come together in celebration of the work.
Using Gaia as a thought provoking backdrop, Sustainable Fashion Week will be hosting Fashion On Earth on Wednesday 6th November for an evening that will explore fashion created in harmony with nature. The event, which will see tickets on offer at £10 for adults and £6 for children, will allow guests to meet artists, makers and organisations working towards a better fashion future.
The standout event of the series, a Blue Planet concert on 24 October, will feature the Bristol Ensemble performing the evocative soundtrack from David Attenborough’s iconic series, perfectly synchronised with Gaia’s mesmerising rotations. This unique event promises an emotional journey through sound and visual artistry, leaving attendees with a profound sense of the planet’s beauty. Bristol Ensemble will return with The Fitzhardinge Society on November 2 to perform Haydn’s cherished classic ‘The Creation’ to transport people on an awe-inspiring journey of divine creation.
Luke Jerram, artist, said, “Hosting Gaia at Bristol Cathedral is a unique opportunity to present the work in a place of worship, which will naturally add extra dimension to its interpretation and understanding by visitors. I hope that by visiting the installation, visitors to the Cathedral will pause and reflect on the fragility of our planet, and consider the environmental need for changes to our behaviour to protect it.
“By making the majesty and grandeur of our world accessible for all, Gaia serves as a reminder of the beauty of our home and a further reminder of why we must protect it.”
Tickets for Gaia: Our Home Planet’s series of events can be purchased online here. There is no charge to visit Bristol Cathedral and view Gaia during day time visiting hours. Sign up to Bristol Cathedral’s Newsletter for the latest information and updates. Events can be viewed here.