Time.news – Gaia is a traveling work by British artist Luke Jerram. Measuring seven meters in diameter and created from detailed NASA images of the Earth’s surface*, it offers the opportunity to see our planet floating in three dimensions. Gaia is 1.8 million times smaller than the real Earth with every inch of the sculpture, illuminated from within, describing 18 km of the Earth’s surface. Standing 211m away from the artwork, the audience will be able to see the Earth as it appears from the Moon.
The installation aims to create a sense of the Pan Effect, which was first described by author Frank White in 1987. Common characteristics of the experience for astronauts are a feeling of awe of the planet, a deep understanding of the interconnectedness of all life and a renewed sense of responsibility for caring for the environment.
After being exhibited in numerous locations – including the Teatro Massimo in Palermo, the historic center of Belluni and the BSE in Milan – Gaia was placed in the London basin of Middle Dock.
When on display the work rotates slowly. Specially crafted music by BAFTA-award winning composer Dan Jones is played alongside the sculpture.