Gaia is coming to Truro Cathedral
Truro Cathedral is delighted to confirm that it will welcome Luke Jerram’s spectacular touring artwork, Gaia, from Friday 6 October – Saturday 28 October 2023.
Measuring seven metres in diameter, Gaia features 120dpi detailed NASA imagery of the Earth’s surface*. The artwork provides the opportunity to see the planet on this scale, floating in three dimensions. The installation creates 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.
When installed at Truro Cathedral, Gaia will be suspended above the cathedral Crossing, enabling 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.
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 from Friday 6 to Saturday 28 October 2023. 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.”
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 run away Climate Change.”
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.
You can find out more and sign up to receive email updates regarding the forthcoming installation of Gaia and the surrounding events and activities by visiting the dedicated Gaia page.
*The imagery for the artwork has been compiled from Visible Earth series, NASA.
Photo credit: Gareth Jones (Gaia at Liverpool Cathedral for Liverpool City Council’s River Festival, 2019)