Luke Jerram’s GAIA, an installation that features 120dpi (Dots Per Inch) detailed NASA imagery of the Earth’s surface, is being brought to Keele Chapel at Keele University by arts organisation Appetite and the University’s arts programme, ArtsKeele this November.
The artwork, which measures six metres in diameter, can be seen at Keele Chapel on the Keele University campus from Saturday 6 to Saturday 27 November. Audience members will be able to visit GAIA Monday to Friday by dropping in, though capacity is limited and it will be first come first served. When visiting at the weekend audiences will be able to book a free slot online, with bookings opening Wednesday 27 October. There will also be a programme of surrounding events to complement the installation that audiences will be able to purchase tickets for, full details of which will be announced soon.
The installation will give audiences the opportunity to see the Earth as it might be seen from space, also known as the Overview Effect. This new perspective of the planet allows the audience to think about their place on the planet and remind them of the responsibility that people have to protect it.
Artist Luke Jerram specialises in the creation of sculptures, installations and live arts projects. GAIA follows on from Museum of the Moon which was brought to King’s Hall, Stoke-on-Trent in 2018.
A specially made surround sound composition will be played alongside the sculpture, created by award-winning Composer Dan Jones. A full programme of events is also set to be announced which will take place beneath the stunning spectacle.
Appetite Director Gemma Thomas said: “We are thrilled to be welcoming another of Luke Jerram’s installations following the positive response to Museum of the Moon a few years ago and other works we’ve presented of his Play Me, I’m Yours and Lullaby. We hope that, following the past year, GAIA might be able to provide audiences with a new perspective of our place and relationship with the planet whilst enjoying the piece in Keele Chapel, a stunning space where we will also be hosting a programme of events and in a way that GAIA can be enjoyed and appreciated.”
Steph Wright of ArtsKeele said: “We are super excited to be working in partnership with Appetite to bring GAIA to Keele University campus. The installation will be one of the biggest events of our ArtsKeele calendar this season. We look forward to seeing visitors immerse themselves into this epic piece of art which will also provide a focal point for a range of programmed activities including concerts, creative sessions, lectures, wellbeing activity and the opportunity to just ‘be’ with Gaia.”
The installation of GAIA coincides with the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26), providing a timely reminder to exhibition visitors of the challenges the planet is currently facing.
Visit the ArtsKeele and Appetite websites for further information or contact us at askus@appetitestoke.co.uk / 01782 381373.
Featured image by Gareth Jones
