You might think of the sun as eternal, but it’s only been around for over 4 billion years and is only expected to last another 5 billion years. Life, as they say, is fleeting. It’s these sorts of thoughts that Bristol-based artist Luke Jerram looks to inspire with his interstellar installations. Having already tackled the Earth, Moon and Mars, he’s turning our attention to the great sun god himself, Helios.
Named after the ancient Greek god of the sun, Helios offers a detailed view of our solar system’s star. This seven-metre sculpture combines solar imagery, light and sound to highlight the sun’s intricate details. It’s scaled so that each centimetre represents 2,000 kilometres of the real sun’s surface, and even includes rare features like sunspots.
Helios includes a specially created surround sound composition, including NASA recordings of the sun, by Duncan Speakman and Sarah Anderson. Combined with solar imagery, the immersive experience invites visitors to reflect on the sun – which has inspired civilisation for centuries as a symbol of life, light and renewal, alongside the forces that shape our planet.
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.
“I hope that the soundscape, lighting and sheer scale of Helios will combine to make an extraordinary and uplifting experience for the public, and I cannot wait to see it showcased in some of the most wonderful locations around England, Wales and Northern Ireland.”
Where can I see Helios?
Helios is stopping by the West Midlands in August (July 31-August 3, August 7-10), when it will appear at the Grade I listed 14th-century former monastery The Charterhouse in Coventry. The sculpture will be suspended in the walled gardens.
There’s no need to book for daytime visits, and no additional charge to view the sculpture—and admission to Charterhouse is free on both Thursdays (July 31 & August 7).
You can also experience Helios after dark (August 1, 2 and 9) and with a one-off live performance (August 8), but tickets must be pre-booked for these events. To learn more, head here.
