Amid the bustle of our daily lives, artist Luke Jerram invites us to pause and gaze upon a mesmerizing spectacle that defies both gravity and convention. “Floating Earth”, a grand spherical sculpture of our planet, elegantly hovers on the surface of water, stretching its massive 10-meter diameter to captivate the imagination. And the best part is that you can discover it this autumn in Timișoara, Romania.
Luke Jerram’s artistic exploration ventures beyond traditional boundaries, using his installation as a canvas that melds art, science, and human connection. The Floating Earth beckons us to step away from the mundane and immerse ourselves in contemplation of our home amidst the cosmos.
We managed to get into Luke Jerram’s visionary world and discover interesting details that stand behind the creative and technical elements of his work. Now we invite you to explore this world with us.
Could you start by telling us about the inspiration behind this captivating work?
The Floating Earth is a replica of the Earth 10 m in diameter, it floats on water, so it’s logistically complicated.
Its main focus is to make people think about climate change and what we need to do to make society more sustainable. When you look at the Earth like this you can understand how connected we all are and that what we do in England also affects people in Bangladesh or the other way around. We are all on the same planet we call home. Maybe you heard about the “overview effect”, which is something astronauts experience when they look to the Earth from above and become overwhelmed by the beauty and wonder they can see. This effect is quite profound and often astronauts become environmental campaigners, as a consequence of the impact. And so I am hoping that this artwork can give the public a hint of this experience, a sense of that feeling.
How does the choice of water as the stage for the installation change the impact? We already know Gaia very well – we had it in Romania also, but we saw it all around the world – in parks, offices, unconventional spaces. But the new work of art comes with a new perspective from the location (on water).
Perhaps it will make people think about the preciousness of water on our planet. 70% of the Earth is covered in water. But only a very small amount is actually freshwater, water that we can really drink and so it’s a very precious resource that we have to look after. Water will be more and more precious for a lot of countries given the climate change and the rising temperatures and we really need to think about that.
Your work often bridges the gap between art and science. How do you view the role of art in conveying complex concepts and fostering a deeper understanding of the world around us?
I think I have a role to play here. There are a lot of scientists who struggle to communicate their ideas to the general public because of their complexity, but I think that scientists working together with artists can expose better their research and results. What I try to do is make art that has multiple doors of entry – so you can appreciate this if you are an academic researcher, a pharmacist or a 4 year old kid. I try to make art that everyone can enjoy in different ways and at different levels and for me is quite important.
Your art pieces (Gaia, Museum of the Moon, Floating Earth) invite us to introspection. What emotions/thoughts/discussions do you wish to generate?
I think that to a certain degree, the pieces of art act like mirrors. People see their own reflection. So if you are into environmental projects you might see, think and have a different experience than someone interested in astronomy or maybe to some children who have never seen the globe. The experience depends on what you bring in front of the artwork in the first place. Although I hope that the artwork can offer an uplifting experience, a positive one, I also want to make people raise questions about where we stand regarding the climate crisis and, why not, make them grateful for living on this amazing planet. It’s interesting to hide and listen to people’s conversation in front of the artwork and to see them enjoying the light.
The concept of a floating Earth is truly mesmerizing. Could you provide some insights into the creative process and technical aspects of bringing this installation to life?
The process is… complicated. I would say far more complicated than for other art installations. We’ve got some concrete blocks hidden under the water and it’s quite a lot of engineering involved. But this is a part that the visitors won’t be able to see. And regarding the weather – it can stay outdoors for a few weeks and it’s able to face wind, 40 miles/hour.
Nature, environment, protecting our planet – these are all part of your work. What is Luke Jerram’s connection, beyond what the world sees, to these elements?
Yes, we can say nature is my biggest inspiration. I suppose I am interested in the culture and history of astronomy, the environmental campaigns and in humanity in general. I am interested in both arts and science and I try to bring these interests, at the same time, into the work I do. I’ve been studying the science of climate change recently and it’s scary… the more you find out, the more you realize that we all have to do something. Also, I think that having children is something that had an impact on the way I see things in this direction, because you start thinking more about the future and the way we are going to leave the planet for the next generations.
What feeling do you have, as an artist, to see your work all over the world? How do you think you are evolving as an artist?
I am very proud to see my art all over the world. It’s nice to bring joy and happiness to people on one hand, to inspire, but also to raise important questions and discussions. More recently I am interested in doing work that is about the environment and also some charity work, on which I think I will focus more in the next few years. I am currently working on an installation, a project in and for Sierra Leone.
Luke Jerram’s Floating Earth installation has been on display in various locations around the world and it is typically presented as part of public art events, such as festivals. Amid the vibrant landscape of Lights On Bega, Luke Jerram’s creation becomes a canvas of reflection, inviting all to pause and consider the boundless universe that surrounds us. Prepare to embark on a celestial journey that blurs the boundaries between art and the cosmos and join us in Timișoara in October.
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About the artist: Luke Jerram is a pioneering contemporary artist celebrated for his interdisciplinary creations that blend art, science, and human connection. Hailing from the UK, his work delves into themes ranging from environmental consciousness to cosmic wonder. Known for installations such as “Museum of the Moon” and “Gaia,” Jerram’s art transcends boundaries, inspiring global dialogue and introspection. Beyond aesthetics, his installations carry profound messages, igniting conversations about pressing issues.
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This project is part of the national cultural program Timișoara – European Capital of Culture in the year 2023 and is funded through the BEGA program, run by the Timiș County Culture and Arts Center, with funds allocated from the state budget, through the budget of the Ministry of Culture.
Sponsors: Fan Courier, Pepsi
Project partners: In-Edu Association Timișoara, German Cultural Center Timișoara, Cluj Cultural Center, West University Timișoara, University of Art and Design Cluj-Napoca, Polytechnic University of Timișoara.
Communication partners: Getica OOH, Aushopping galleries, Kiss Fm, Euromedia, Pressone.ro, G4Media.ro, World Wide Print, Daisler Print House, Știri din România, Tion, Express de Banat, IQOOL, Zile și Nopți, Știri de Timișoara, NewsVest, Adevărul, TVR, Radio Timișoara, România Pozitivă, Best of Timișoara.