A seven-metre floating Earth artwork, known as Gaia, will go on display at Trafford Palazzo next month. Created by artist Luke Jerram, the installation uses highly detailed NASA imagery and will allow visitors to view the world from a different perspective, with each centimetre representing 18km of the Earth's surface.
Display Details and Experience
The artwork will be on display from September 9 to October 2. It has been created from 1,200dpi hyper-detailed NASA imagery and aims to reflect the 'Overview Effect', a profound feeling often experienced by astronauts when they first see the planet from orbit.
Visitors will be able to observe the illuminated planet as it slowly rotates, accompanied by a bespoke surround-sound composition from BAFTA-winning composer Dan Jones. The artwork will be set upon the Palazzo's architecture, which takes inspiration from the Italian Renaissance period.
Artist's Vision and Touring History
“I’m delighted to bring my Gaia artwork to the iconic architectural surroundings of Trafford Palazzo,” artist Luke said. “I hope visitors 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.”
The touring artwork has previously appeared at unique locations worldwide, including the Cathedral of the Incarnation in New York and the Canadian Museum of Nature in Ottawa, Ontario. It has also appeared in Salford Quays and will be on display at London's Southbank Centre at the end of August.
Hosting and Related Events
Leandra Dwyer, Asset Manager at Peel Retail & Leisure, said: “We’re thrilled to be hosting Gaia at Trafford Palazzo, adding another world-class experience to our destination. For one month, guests can observe this extraordinary artwork up close surrounded by our iconic Roman-inspired architecture and spectacular glazed dome, highlighting the unique setting we offer for a broad range of immersive events and installations.”
The display follows similar efforts to make art accessible, such as the current Stan Chow exhibition at the Arndale featuring portraits of Manchester icons. Luke's artwork Museum of the Moon is also currently on display at Campfield in the city centre. Gaia's autumn residency at Trafford Palazzo will be supported by a series of free events, soon to be announced, all hosted underneath the artwork.
