From the Neolithic era to Ancient Egypt and even today, our solar system’s star has long held humanity’s imagination. The latest to be inspired by the great sun in the sky is Luke Jerram. Having already tackled the Earth, Moon and Mars, the Bristol-based artist has turned his attention to the Sun.
The seven-metre sculpture, combining solar imagery, light and sound, was unveiled to the world in Bath this January. Helios, named after the ancient Greek god, will now offer a detailed view of the sun’s intricate details to Bristol residents this October—each centimetre represents 2,000 kilometres of real surface.
Speaking earlier this year, Helios artist Luke Jerram said, “We all know that it is very dangerous to look directly at the sun, as it can damage our eyesight. Helios provides a safe opportunity for the public to get up close to, and inspect, its extraordinarily detailed surface, including sunspots, spicules and filaments.”
Helios includes a specially created surround sound composition, including NASA recordings of the sun, by Duncan Speakman and Sarah Anderson. Inspect its detailed surface, including the source of last year’s solar flares that caused the Northern lights to be visible from the UK, for an awe-inspiring reflection of life.
Luke more recently said, “It’s so exciting to present my new artwork at Bristol Cathedral for BTF+. I spent all last winter perfecting the sun’s internal rippling light, and so it’s great to now be able to present this new artwork in my home city.”
When and where is Luke Jerram’s Helios in Bristol?
As part of Bristol’s festival of tech, creativity and culture, BTF+, Helios heads to Bristol Cathedral from October 6 to 8. Stay up to 30 minutes once inside. Tickets to this awe-inspiring fusion of art, science and sound cost £6.79 + booking fee, and can be booked here.