Globe sculpture aims to lift spirits and focus minds, artist says

A giant globe installation to be displayed on the Isle of Man aims to uplift and inspire people, the artwork’s creator has said.

The piece, known as Gaia, will be suspended at St Thomas’ Church in Douglas from 20 April to 12 May.

The 20ft (6m) artwork is made out of Nasa imagery, which was printed onto fabric and then stitched together.

Artist Luke Jerram said: “I hope it will lift people’s spirits but also focus minds and help people to have conversations that we need to make our society and our lives more sustainable.”

“It’s an interesting combination between a very uplifting experience and a feeling that you’re all sort of interconnected.

“You notice the strength but also the fragility of our planet as well.”

Once suspended, Gaia slowly rotates fully once every four minutes alongside a surround sound composition written by Dan Jones.

The audio incorporated the sounds of the sea, as well as Nasa recordings and interviews with children about the climate crisis.

Mr Jerram said the bespoke soundtrack helped “to connect the sculpture with the surrounding architecture”.

He said he hoped his artworks would act “as a cultural mirror”, with people’s experiences of the pieces differing depending on their backgrounds.

“There are some angles where when you’re looking at the Pacific you literally can’t see any land mass at all, and that’s amazing,” he said.

“It provides a sense of perspective.”

A number of events will be held in the church while the artwork is on display on the island, including a wildlife week session, a climate cafe, and several lectures and talks.

Mr Jerram said he enjoyed creating artworks that “leave space for other people to be creative”, which was when “things get really exciting”.

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