Luke Jerram:
Gaia

Sat 19 SEPT, 10am-9pm

The event will be carefully managed by our stewards to be Covid-secure and socially distanced.

Gaia is a touring artwork by UK artist Luke Jerram. Measuring seven metres in diameter, Gaia features 120dpi detailed NASA imagery of the Earth’s surface*. The artwork provides the opportunity to see our planet on this scale, floating in three dimensions.

Gaia at W5, Belfast, 2019 (4).jpg

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.

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.

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.

Gaia has been created in partnership with the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), Bluedot and the UK Association for Science and Discovery Centres. With supporting partners Culture Liverpool and Liverpool Cathedral.

*The imagery for the artwork has been compiled from Visible Earth series, NASA.

Gaia at Bluedot, 2018 (1).jpg

Luke Jerram’s multidisciplinary practice involves the creation of sculptures, installations and live arts projects. Living in the UK but working internationally since 1997, Jerram has created a number of extraordinary art projects which have excited and inspired people around the globe.

Jerram has a set of different narratives that make up his practice which are developing in parallel with one another.

He is known worldwide for his large scale public artworks. Visit Gaia website.

Information on Covid-Secure Measures

  • The main Bell Square audience area will be sectioned off and marked out to allow social distancing between groups.

  • Staff will be wearing masks or visors and be regularly sanitizing their hands.

  • Our friendly stewards will direct you to the correct entrance where you’ll be able to use the hand sanitiser station provided and we'll take a names and phone number for each household for Track and Trace purposes (Details will be held securely at Watermans in Brentford and disposed of after 21 days).

  • The space within our safety barriers will be marked out in squares. You’ll be directed to the next clear square and will be asked not to move from that square while the performance is going on.

  • We ask that nobody approach the stage or other groups in the area during the performance.
    Once the performance ends, we'll open exits on all four corners so that people can safely exit.

  • We ask everyone to be patient and not clump at the exits on the way out.

  • Audiences are welcome to wear masks or visors if they wish to.

  • We ask that audiences respect social distancing guidelines and maintain at least 1m distance from fellow audience members outside their household. Please remember that it is not always clear who is most vulnerable.

  • You may watch the event from outside the audience area and we will not monitor this. We ask anyone doing this to respect social distance of at least 1m as they would in any other public space at all times.