Sun artwork suspended above water at community swimming pool – The Irish News

An art installation inspired by the Sun has appeared at Jubilee Swimming Pool in Bristol.

Helios, named after the ancient Greek mythological god who personified the Sun, was created by acclaimed artist Luke Jerram.

The sculpture measures five metres in diameter, weighs around 50 kilogrammes, and was made using over 400,000 high-resolution photographs of the Sun’s surface and Nasa observational data.

For three weeks, the artwork which has been suspended metres above the pool will shine above the water and reflect across its surface.

Jerram said: “I like creating artwork that brings people together and there’s something nice about using a community space like this that’s accessible to everybody.

“For me that’s really important.”

From Monday January 19 until Sunday February 8, regular pool goers and visitors will be given access to view the installation and swim under it.

Additional late-night sessions have been added to the swimming pool’s regular schedule.

Julie Laming, chairwoman of trustees at Jubilee Pool, said: “This is the first time Helios has been suspended over a swimming pool, let alone at a much-loved indoor pool approaching its 90th anniversary.

“We are thrilled and proud to be hosting such an exciting and unique event Bristol.”

The artist is hoping Helios will attract a large number of visitors, which could contribute to funding solar panels on Jubilee Pool’s roof and secure its transition to a greener future.

Jerram added: “It’s also that opportunity in the middle of winter, when it’s so dark and cold outside, to come here and have a swim underneath the sun.

“A bit of sunbathing is probably what we will need this time of year.”

The artwork will later go up in Manchester, then travelling to Borneo in Southeast Asia, back to London, and finally to the US before the end of the year.

The artist this month celebrated 1,000 exhibitions in over 50 countries worldwide.

Those include artworks at permanent museums and on public display, include nearby with Palm Temple located on The University of Bristol campus.