People across the local area are being encouraged to see what planet Earth looks like “from the moon” thanks to a special piece of art on display at Bath Abbey.
Mayor Norris and Bath Abbey’s CEO Frank Mowat | Photo courtesy of WECA
The illuminated planet Earth artwork, called Gaia, named after the Greek Goddess of Earth, is by local artist Luke Jerram, and will be visiting the city for six weeks as part of a programme of events at Bath Abbey, with visitors encouraged to reflect on how humans treat the planet.
The seven-metre diameter (23ft) globe features detailed Nasa imagery of the Earth’s surface, and is being suspended beneath the tower in the centre of the Abbey.
By standing 181m away, residents can see the Earth as it appears from the moon.
The detailed sculpture, which also revolves and has a specially-made sound composition by a BAFTA award-winning composer played alongside it, has toured the world, including Hong Kong, London and Taiwan.
A series of events at the Abbey focused on appreciating and caring for the world will run alongside the installation, including a concert with Bristol Ensemble playing music from Blue Planet, and stargazing events.
West of England Metro Mayor, who is running the Explore Local campaign, visited the artwork last week and said: “This is a super-important and inspiring artwork – Gaia encourages us all to gaze at the planet we call home, but also to reflect on what we all need to do to care for it as well during this climate crisis.
“It just goes to show how many amazing things to do we have right here on our doorstep. So whether it’s eyes to the skies at Herschel Museum, celebrating Bath’s most famous resident at Jane Austen Museum, or taking the opportunity to see our planet floating in space at Bath Abbey, let’s get out there and rediscover all Bath, and our amazing region, has to offer.”
Luke Jerram’s work will be at Bath Abbey until Sunday 29th October.
