The seven-meter globe by UK artist Luke Jerram, named Gaia, has been created using detailed images of the Earth’s surface, taken by NASA. As the artwork slowly revolves, you will see the whole planet floating in three dimensions, illuminating the world class architecture of the iconic cathedral. A specially made surround sound composition by BAFTA award winning composer Dan Jones is played alongside.
The touring installation, which aims to inspire everyone to do what they can to care for our planet and combat climate change, has been to various locations around the world before arriving at Durham Cathedral today (10 July) until 10 September.
During its opening day, visitors stopped in their tracks to take in the installation, with some describing it as ‘striking’ and ‘impressive’, whilst others defined it as ‘surreal’ and ‘refreshing’.
Visitors Stephen and Teresa Lardner from, Wollongon in Australia, were among the first visitors to see the Earth-artwork and said
“It's an interesting modern feature inside the ancient cathedral architecture. Its magnificent and Durham Cathedral is the perfect space for it.”
Sandra Rennoldson from Sunderland said,
"Its fantastic, a really great draw for the cathedral. I came to see the Moon back in 2021 and I'm so pleased to be the first to now see the Earth."
Visitors have been getting very creative taking pictures of the artwork, - trying to hold the Earth in their hand and getting down on the ground for the perfect shot. Volunteer, Susan Grey was welcoming visitors during Gaia's first day at the cathedral. Susan said,
“Its splendid, a really different focal point in the cathedral. Visitors have been very impressed as soon as they have caught their first glimpse of the artwork.
The cathedral is the perfect location for the artwork in the North-East, as Andrew Usher, Chief Officer: Visitor Experience and Enterprise at Durham Cathedral, says:
Quote from Andrew Usher, Chief Officer: Visitor Experience and Enterprise
We’ve been hugely anticipating the arrival of Gaia at Durham Cathedral for a while and the vast Nave of the cathedral is the perfect setting for people to really soak in this colossal artwork. The cathedral is a place for everyone to enjoy. We welcome people from all over the world on a daily basis and for the next eight weeks we’re looking forward to welcoming even more people from the region and beyond as they come to see the installation. It slowly rotates, is lit from within, and illuminates the high vaulted ceiling and cathedral’s carved pillars – it really is breath-taking.”
Andrew Usher
Chief Officer: Visitor Experience and Enterprise
The Gaia Earth-artwork is the second of the artist’s installations to be shown at Durham Cathedral. Back in 2021, Jerram’s Museum of the Moon wowed audiences who visited.
A programme of earth-themed events will accompany Gaia including sustainable Dinners under the Earth with Chester-le-Street based community café REfUSE, yoga classes and silent discos. One of the highlights will be Gaia Lates, a series of late-night openings offering visitors the chance to see the installation after-hours. These select summer evenings will have a festival-feel and feature street food, music, live entertainment and hands on activities - from kombucha making to floristry workshops and poetry writing - each week will be slightly different. Whilst all events will have an eco-friendly theme, a series of talks and debates on climate change and climate justice will also take place.
Andrew continued:
“Gaia has such a visual impact and with the current climate crisis being such an important topic in people’s lives, we hope the installation and a programme of fun and thought-provoking activities will allow visitors to reflect on the health of our planet and consider what we can do to help reverse the effects of climate change.”
After creating the Moon, it is little wonder the artist chose the Earth as his next subject. In an interview about Gaia, Luke Jerram said that “Humanity has been staring at the moon for 200,000 years. The moon has inspired so much music and mythology and literature in every culture right around the world, whereas it’s only been 50 years that humanity has been able to see our planet from space, as a blue marble floating in the blackness of space.”
It is hoped that by seeing the planet in this way, much like an astronaut would, looking back from space, visitors will experience 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 Reverend Canon Charlie Allen says:
Quote from The Reverend Canon Charlie Allen
“The global climate emergency is a crisis for God’s creation and a fundamental injustice for those who suffer the worst effects of climate change. Gaia invites us to reflect on how we might reshape our lives so as to sustain and renew the face of the earth, whilst at the same time awakening within us a sense of awe and wonder at the sheer beauty of the planet we call home.”
The Reverend Canon Charlie Allen
Gaia is at Durham Cathedral from 10 July to 10 September 2023. Entry is free with a suggested donation of £5 to help support conservation of the cathedral. Events and activities range from £5.50 for craft activities to £66.50 for a three course meal under the earth. Find out more at www.durhamcathedral.co.uk/gaia