Gaia is a touring artwork by UK artist Luke Jerram. Measuring six metres in diameter, Gaia features 120dpi detailed NASA imagery of the Earth’s surface. The imagery for the artwork has been compiled from Visible Earth series, NASA. The artwork provides the opportunity to see our planet on this scale, floating in three-dimensions.

The installation creates a sense of the Overview Effect, which was first described by author Frank White in 1987. Common features of the experience for astronauts are a feeling of awe for the planet, a profound understanding of the interconnection of all life, and a renewed sense of responsibility for taking care of the environment. The artwork is 1.8 million times smaller than the real Earth with each centimetre of the internally lit sculpture describing 18km of the Earth’s surface. By standing 211m away from the artwork, the public will be able to see the Earth as it appears from the moon.

A specially made surround sound composition by BAFTA award winning Composer Dan Jones is played alongside the sculpture.

In Greek Mythology Gaia is the personification of the Earth.

Gaiahas been created in partnership with the Natural Environment Research Council(NERC), Bluedot and the UK Association for Science and Discovery Centres. With supporting partners Culture Liverpool and Liverpool Cathedral.

Luke Jerram’s multidisciplinary practice involves the creation of sculptures, installations and live artsprojects. Living in the UK but working internationally since 1997, Jerram has created a number ofextraordinary art projects which have excited and inspired people around the globe. Jerram has a setof different narratives that make up his practice which are developing in parallel with one another.He is known worldwide for his large-scale public artworks.http://my-earth.org/