Gaia
Rochester Cathedral 24th may - 12th June 2022
If you loved the ‘Museum of the Moon’, you won’t want to miss Luke Jerram’s ‘Gaia’ arriving at Rochester Cathedral in May 2022.
About Gaia
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.
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 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.
*The imagery for the artwork has been compiled from Visible Earth series, NASA.
Rochester Cathedral would like to thank Rochester Riverside Community Fund and the National Lottery Together for our planet for their support of this event
What’s On
As part of our programming for this event we will be exploring climate change and the Church of England’s intention to be Net Carbon Zero by 2030. The Church of England has five marks of mission with the fifth being “To strive to safeguard the integrity of creation and sustain and renew the life of the earth.”
Some parts of the Cathedral may not be accessible during this exhibition. We apologise for any disappointment this may cause.
Daytime opening
Visit Gaia at Rochester Cathedral during the day. Admission is free but tickets must be booked in advance. Please do check opening times for the day you wish to visit.
Please be aware, tickets will not be required on the 4th June but we anticipated long queues as this is the weekend of the Dickens Festival. We encourage visitors to book for another day if possible.
See Gaia in the evening
On selected evenings we will be open from 7pm - 10pm. Tickets required. Entry fees apply.
Special Events
Find out more about Gaia and Rochester Cathedral
Further info
About the artist
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.
