Floating high above the central aisle of Truro Cathedral a ‘heavenly body’ is provoking awe and wonderment from all who see it.
The cathedral is now home to Luke Jerram’s spectacular touring artwork, Gaia, which is now in Cornwall for the next three weeks.
An incredibly detailed depiction of Earth, measuring seven metres in diameter, Gaia features 120dpi detailed NASA imagery of the planet’s surface.
It has been suspended above the crossing section of the cathedral, allowing viewers to walk around and under the artwork.
A specially made surround-sound composition by BAFTA award-winning composer Dan Jones will be played alongside the sculpture.
The installation is designed to recreate the ‘Overview Effect’ felt by astronauts when they view the planet from above – drawing feelings of awe, a profound understanding of how lifeforms interconnect, and a renewed sense of responsibility for taking care of the environment.
Reverend Simon Robinson, interim Dean of Truro Cathedral, said: “We are very excited to be able to host Gaia this October.
“This amazing installation will be an awe-inspiring experience for the whole of Cornwall. I hope that as many people as possible feel drawn to Truro Cathedral to experience Gaia.”
Visitors will be able to experience Gaia daily throughout its stay. The installation was launched last night (Friday) at a private event and will now be in situ until Saturday, October 28.
Entry to Truro Cathedral will remain free throughout the installation, with donations encouraged to enable the cathedral to continue to bring events such as Gaia to the community of Cornwall.
Sean O’Neill, chief operating officer, said: “I love that we have Gaia coming here in October! It’s a realisation of our aspiration to bring more, exciting events to the community and engage new audiences with the cathedral.”
There will also be a range of ticketed events and activities accompanying the installation for people to enjoy, including evening viewing sessions, music events, school visits and talks.
Additionally, the cathedral will be offering the rare chance to ascend into the roof space and view Gaia from a unique aerial perspective.
Artist Luke Jerram said: “I hope visitors to Gaia get to see the Earth as if from space; an incredibly beautiful and precious place. An ecosystem we urgently need to look after – our only home.
“Halfway through the Earth’s sixth mass extinction, we urgently need to wake up, and change our behaviour. We need to quickly make the changes necessary, to prevent runaway Climate Change.”
Gaia is complimented by the In This Together climate-inspired exhibition, and the Cornwall Wildlife Trust photography competition exhibition, which both run alongside.
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