A spectacular piece of artwork from artist Luke Jerram has been unveiled in Harrogate.
As part of the HACS Harrogate Music Festival, acclaimed touring artwork Gaia is now on display inside St Wilfrid’s Church until July 12th.
It’s been co-ordinated by Harrogate International Festivals with the support of North Yorkshire Council.
The 3D illuminated artwork, which measures six metres in diameter and was created using Nasa imagery of the Earth’s surface, replicates what it is like seeing our planet from space.
It was unveiled at St Wilfrid’s Church last night (Thursday).
Gaia features a specially created composition by Bafta award-winning composer Dan Jones that is played alongside the slowly revolving sculpture.
Luke Jerram said:
“I wanted to make the artwork seem as authentic and realistic as possible to give the public the opportunity to see how our planet looks from space.
“For most people, this will be their most intimate, personal and closest encounter they will ever have with the whole of our planet.”
HACS Harrogate Music Festival also brings six special ‘Gigs at Gaia’ to St Wilfrid’s featuring everything from intimate solo recitals to internationally acclaimed ensembles and incredible orchestral performances.
In Greek mythology Gaia is the personification of the Earth, and the artist hopes his artwork will give viewers a deeper understanding of its fragility.
Luke added:
“I hope visitors to Gaia get to see the Earth as if from space; an incredibly beautiful and precious place.
“An ecosystem we urgently need to look after – our only home.”
Gaia has previously been displayed at iconic locations around the world, including the Natural History Museum in London and the Brisbane Festival in Australia.
It is the latest in a long line of high-profile public art installations brought to the North Yorkshire spa town by Harrogate International Festivals, including Harrogate’s recent light festival, BEAM (2024), Luminarium (2018) and Carabosse (2016).
Sharon Canavar, chief executive of Harrogate International Festivals, said:
“We are absolutely delighted to bring Luke Jerram’s awe-inspiring artwork to Harrogate.
“Luke is one of the country’s most talented and pioneering artists and Gaia is among the most astonishing installations I’ve ever seen.
“We passionately believe in the power of art and culture to bring people together and have a proven track record of delivering world-class spectacles in public spaces that do exactly that, at the same time as putting Harrogate firmly on the map as a thriving cultural hub.
“The arts can captivate and inspire as well as challenge our way of thinking, and I hope as many people as possible come to see Gaia in St Wilfrid’s and marvel at its brilliance.”
Gaia is open to the public for hourly sessions until 12th July. Tickets are priced at £4 for adults, £3 for students and £2 for children. Family tickets for two adults and two children are available for £10.
Quiet sessions, designed for a calming, sensory-friendly experience, will be open for an hour to visitors on Monday 7th July at 10am and Wednesday 9th July at 7pm.
For timings and to book, visit harrogateinternationalfestivals.com or call the Box Office on 01423 562 303.
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