Huge and mesmerising Earth artwork set to light up Colchester Castle this summer

A HISTORIC Colchester venue is set to host a large, captivating and “thought-provoking” artwork which depicts the beauty of our planet.

Gaia, a six-metre diameter art piece which brings embodies the Earth’s wonder at an unprecedented scale, will be on display at Colchester Castle from July 19 to September 15.

Developed in collaboration with the Natural Environment Research Council, Bluedot, and the UK Association for Science and Discovery Centres, Gaia is a mesmerising installation offering a unique and immersive perspective on our planet.

Crafted by the talented artist Luke Jerram, Gaia is adorned with 120dpi NASA imagery, displaying the Earth’s surface in remarkable detail.

Beautiful – the artwork in all its glory (Image Gaia Museums / Colchester Museums) (Image: (Image Gaia Museums / Colchester Museums))
The imagery used in the artwork has been compiled from the Visible Earth series by NASA, ensuring accuracy and authenticity in representing the Earth’s diverse landscapes.

Castle visitors will have the opportunity to witness our planet floating in three dimensions.

Measuring 2.1 million times smaller than the real Earth, each centimetre of Gaia’s internally lit sculpture represents 21 kilometres of the Earth’s surface.

Standing 181 metres away from the artwork, the public will be treated to a breath-taking view of the Earth as seen from the moon, creating a sense of shocking scale and perspective.

Enhancing this remarkable visual experience is a specially crafted surround sound composition by BAFTA award-winning composer Dan Jones, providing a multisensory encounter with the artwork.

In Greek Mythology, Gaia is the personification of the Earth, and this installation pays homage to the beauty and complexity of our planet.

David King, leader of Colchester Council said: “Gaia’s arrival at Colchester Castle is a testament to the power of art and science collaboration, and how knowledge and a sense of wonder can help us all to value and cherish our planet.

“Gaia promises to be a thought provoking and emotional experience and underscores our commitment to bringing innovative and thought-provoking experiences to the community.”

To find out more about the installation visit colchester.cimuseums.org.uk/events/gaia.