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We’ve got the Whole World in the Isle of Man
Famous Art Installation to Visit Island
Ever wanted to feel like an astronaut, seeing the world from outer space? Well, you’re in luck. A famous art installation is coming to the Isle of Man that will help you scratch that itch. Kind of. It won’t send you into space. But it is going to be put in a space. So, same word there.
‘Gaia’ – Earth Goddess in Greek mythology – is a giant illuminated hanging Earth created by Luke Jerram to give people a sense of the ‘Overview Effect’ felt by astronauts. You may have seen it in the news popping up in different parts of the world looking all mesmerising. Jerram created the installation to highlight the challenges facing the environment.
Gaia will be installed at St Thomas’ Church in Douglas and be accompanied by a bespoke surround sound composition by BAFTA award-winning Composer Dan Jones. It’ll be playing alongside the sculpture to add to the awe-inspiring atmosphere.
The visit has been supported by a partnership of organisations including Net Zero Isle of Man, the Isle of Man Arts Council, and sponsors Ørsted.
‘Gaia’ artist, Luke Jerram said he’s ‘delighted that my Gaia artwork will be presented in Isle of Man for the first time. 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.’
Development Director for Ørsted in the Isle of Man, John Galloway, hopes ‘everyone takes the opportunity to visit a truly spectacular art installation and reflect on the delicate nature of our planet. The climate crisis will impact us all, so to have Gaia here in the first nation to become a UNESCO Biosphere, and at a time when we’re bringing forward our plans for the Island’s first offshore wind farm to support the green energy transition in the Isle of Man, is really exciting.’
It’s going to be on public display at St Thomas’ Church from 20 April to 12 May, coinciding with Earth Day on 22 April.
Daytime tickets to see Gaia are FREE, you lucky thing you, and there will be a small charge to go see it in the evening. Donations to St Thomas’ Church are most welcome.
You can find more information here.
