HOW ON EARTH DID HE DO THAT?
Six-metre globe artwork unveiled
PEOPLE can now get up close to the Earth’s surface with a stunning new art installation in North Staffordshire.
Measuring six metres in diameter, GAIA features detailed imagery of the planet taken by NASA, capturing the oceans, clouds and populated areas.
It has been suspended in the air at Keele University chapel and is an identical companion to another globe showcased at the UN’S Cop26 summit.
Now the public can go along to see GAIA for free throughout this month.
And they can even enjoy a programme of activities under the Earth, including yoga, craft sessions, dance displays and musical concerts.
For those just wanting to marvel at the exhibit and soak up the atmosphere, there are also cushions dotted around the seating areas.
Professor Mark Ormerod, deputy vice-chancellor of the university, said: “When I first saw it, it took my breath away. It highlights the fragility of the planet and that we need to take action. It really hits home.”
The artwork has been created by Luke Jerram and comes with a surround-sound musical composition by Dan Jones.
Funded through the Appetite cultural programme and Arts Keele, GAIA has been designed to get people to think about their place on the planet and their responsibility to protect it.
The installation is made out of the same type of canvas used for hot air balloons and has been suspended from beams using professional rigging.
It is 2.1 million times smaller than the real Earth. But by standing 181 metres away from the artwork, the public can see Earth as it appears from the moon.
Gemma Thomas, project director for Appetite, said: “The NASA images of Earth have been mapped onto it.
“I’ve heard people say they were amazed by the amount of blue, the ocean.”
The installation coincides with the Cop26 summit, which is challenging world leaders to take specific actions to tackle climate change.
Keele is holding its own local Cop26 throughout this week, using GAIA as the springboard for lots of different activities.
They include a summit of local leaders who will be discussing sustainability and an event for Staffordshire businesses to look at practical ways of reducing their carbon footprint.
People can visit GAIA until November 27. But capacity is limited so they are advised to check in advance to make sure it is not booked up.