Latest news with #LukeJerram
Irish Independent
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Meet Luke Jerram – the man bringing the sun to Cork this summer (but only indoors!)
Mixing art with science, Luke Jerram's works have invited audiences to play, fall in love and see our solar system in detail When the sun comes out, most people put on their shades. Luke Jerram is different. When the English artist looked up at the sun, he wanted to get closer to it. The result is his dazzling new artwork, Helios. 'Helios is an artwork which provides an opportunity to see the sun up close,' he says. 'The sun artwork took about eight months to create and it's created out of 40,000 photographs of the surface of the sun. It shows all the sunspots and filaments and all these lovely details of the sun that we can't ordinarily see because, obviously, we're not allowed to look at the sun up close.' We are talking on Zoom and he smiles broadly as he tells me about Helios, which opens at St Fin Barre's Cathedral on June 9 as part of Cork Midsummer Festival. 'If you think about it scientifically but also culturally, the sun is a light and energy source for life on our planet,' he continues. 'It has inspired music and religions and culture and poetry, in every literature and every culture all around the world. So it has that sort of universal appeal.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Seven-metre-wide artwork of Mars coming to Truro Cathedral
A seven-metre-wide artwork of Mars is coming to Truro Cathedral. The piece, created by Luke Jerram, will be on display from October 13 to November 2, 2025. The artwork, which is part of a UK-wide tour, follows on from his other astronomical pieces, Museum of the Moon and Gaia. It features 120 dpi NASA imagery of the surface of the planet, with each centimetre representing 10 kilometres of the planet, and is accompanied by a sound composition by Dan Jones. Mars by Luke Jerram. (Image: Ella Foster/ Exeter Cathedral) Sean O'Neill, chief operating officer, said: "From the moment we had Gaia here, I hoped that we would be able to host Mars next. "The red/orange hues of Mars will bring the soft Bath stone of the cathedral to life, especially during Mars by Night sessions." Entry to Truro Cathedral will remain free throughout the installation during the day, with donations encouraged to enable the cathedral to continue to bring events such as Mars to the community of Cornwall. The cathedral previously hosted Luke Jerram's Gaia artwork. (Image: James Kitto) There will also be a range of ticketed events and activities accompanying the installation for people to enjoy, including the opportunity to ascend into the roof space and view Mars from an aerial perspective. Reverend Simon Robinson, dean of Truro Cathedral, said: "It is very good to welcome Luke Jerram's great artwork Mars: War and Peace, particularly as we approach the season of Remembrance. "This vast artwork provokes us to reflect on conflict, conflict perhaps in our communities and conflict on a worldwide scale. "I am proud that Cornwall's great cathedral, a place of sacred space and common ground for us all is hosting this evocative work." Artist Luke Jerram said: 'I am delighted to be invited to bring my artwork back to Truro Cathedral. " He added that he hopes that "visitors will feel transported to the inhospitable desert wasteland of Mars".
South Wales Argus
24-05-2025
- Science
- South Wales Argus
Night Sky: What's in the sky this week and Helios display
Helios is the brainchild of artist Luke Jerram with his intriguing seven-metre representation of the Sun being placed on display on the South Lawn at Dyffryn Gardens from Friday, May 23 to Monday, May 26 and again from Thursday, May 29 to Sunday, June 1. Helios, from the ancient Greek God who personifies the Sun, is on a nationwide tour and this is the Sun's only stop in Wales before moving on. Jerram has afforded incredible attention to detail so that each centimetre of the sphere represents 2,000 kilometres of the Sun's surface which all told has been cleverly combined with a NASA-inspired soundscape. Lizzie Smith Jones, general manager for National Trust Cymru, said: 'We're beyond thrilled to welcome Helios to Dyffryn Gardens.' The planet Jupiter finally slips into the evening twilight during the last week of May, meaning that it will be lost in the Sun's glare during June. However, on the evening of Wednesday, May 28, there is a lovely pairing with Jupiter positioned directly below a thin crescent Moon. Whilst we will lose Jupiter, we still have the red planet Mars in the evening sky for a good while yet. On Friday, May 29, the Moon features again in the western sky after sunset but this time accompanied with the two brightest stars in the constellation of Gemini, the Twins. Forming a nice triangular shape, look for the Moon, then sweep upward to find Pollux to the left and Castor to the right. Venus continues to dominate the sky before dawn, easily recognisable as the 'morning star' above the eastern horizon, with Saturn rising ahead of Venus and remaining to its right, although it will appear noticeably fainter. Spaceflight news and the next private astronaut mission has been pushed back from its planned launch on May 29. With no celebrities in sight on this occasion, the crew of Axiom Space's Ax-4 will head to the International Space Station. Amongst the quartet will be Peggy Whitson, who has spent more time in space than any other American or woman, a staggering 675 days. Ironically, another private space company, SpaceX, will provide the Falcon 9 rocket that will power the four to the ISS, where they will conduct scientific experiments. With Wales' own Spaceport at Llanbedr Airfield in Snowdonia seemingly on hold, further proof that you don't need a base on land to launch space-bound rockets as Galactic Energy, a privately owned Chinese company, successfully dispatched its Ceres-1 rocket with four satellites onboard from a ship at sea. The International Space Station makes several appearances during the coming days, although the window for sighting the second of these is rather short. On Saturday, May 24, the ISS rises in the west at 10.04pm, setting in the southeast five minutes later. On Monday, May 26, the ISS rises in the southwest at 10.07pm, setting in the southwest one minute later. Send your astrophotography pictures to: thenightsky@
Wales Online
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
A huge orb has appeared in a Welsh garden and this is why
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info It's not every day you hear about a giant sun sculpture landing in a garden outside of Cardiff, but it's pretty cool that you can go from walking through city streets to standing in front of a seven-metre-wide sculpture of the sun in the space of half an hour if you visit Dyffryn Gardens right now. The installation is called Helios, and it's the latest work by Luke Jerram, who is the artist behind those touring pieces of the moon and Earth you might have seen on Instagram. Now, he's turned his attention to the sun, and for a limited time (May 22-26 and May 21 - June 1), Dyffryn Gardens is the only place in Wales where you can see it. It's all included in the usual entry (£13 per adult and £6.50 per child) and it's free if you're a National Trust member. From superstar gigs to cosy pubs, find out What's On in Wales by signing up to our newsletter here I wasn't sure what to expect. I'd never seen a giant orb like this before, but it had a really interesting effect on people. It floats gently above the South Lawn with a bright orange colour, positioned to make the most of the beautiful backdrop which looks incredible during the golden hour as you lead up to sunset. (Image: Aled Llywelyn) It's covered in insanely detailed solar imagery and the closer you get, you can notice all of the swirling sunspots, flares, textures - what felt extra magical was seeing children looking up at it in admiration and families being able to enjoy the space so freely and engage with such a unique piece of art. It's scaled so that every centimetre represents 2,000 kilometres of the real sun's surface, which is kind of mind-bending - and a little way down the path through the gardens is a miniature version of the Earth which looks tiny in comparison. There's also a soundtrack, made from actual NASA recordings of the sun's activity which hums softly in the background which definitely adds to the mood and adds a gorgeous layer to the experience that feels totally immersive. (Image: Aled Llywelyn) It's just a sculpture, but it definitely manages to stir something as you can experience a bit of a moment of existential reflection - in a good way. Or you could just chill on the beanbags below it while the kids play on the grass nearby. It also draws lots of attention to the scenery so you can properly appreciate Dyffryn Gardens itself. Normally, I go to places like this for a nice walk or a picnic or am just chatting away for the whole time to whoever I'm with but this made me stop and be a bit more still. (Image: Aled Llywelyn) Lizzie Smith Jones, General Manager, South East Wales Portfolio, National Trust Cymru said: 'We're beyond thrilled to welcome Helios to Dyffryn Gardens. 'This stunning installation is not only a unique and surreal experience, but also a testament to the National Trust's ongoing commitment to offering extraordinary cultural experiences in Wales and across the UK. 'While Wales may get its fair share of rain, this May the sun is guaranteed to shine on Dyffryn Gardens! 'Our staff and volunteers are excited to share this awe-inspiring artwork with all our visitors. We hope it's going to be a truly memorable experience for everyone.' Honestly, it's a rare thing to go see a big piece of public art and come away feeling a bit more connected to nature and the fact we're tiny specs floating around a giant burning star. And to do it all in a leafy garden just outside Cardiff? Perfection. Visitors can also explore a sun trail through the gardens, be encouraged to create their own work of art with free-to-borrow creative kits, take part in solar-themed crafts and try on space-themed costumes. For more information and to plan a visit, you can head to the National Trust website here.
Wales Online
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
May half term 2025 in Wales: 14 things to do in and around Cardiff
May half term 2025 in Wales: 14 things to do in and around Cardiff There is so much to enjoy in May half term 2025 in and near Cardiff, including Helios at Dyffryn Gardens, BFF holiday club at Insole Court and Elvis rock & roll weekend in Cardiff Bay Don't be bored this half term! (Image: PA ) After weeks of gorgeous weather, which will hopefully remain, it is now time for May half term. In the final holiday before the schools break up for summer, you might be thinking about how to keep them entertained. From fantastic activities at the National Trust, including Dyffryn Gardens, to an Elvis festival in Cardiff Bay, to mad science activities, there is lots to enjoy in and around Cardiff. The May half term runs from Saturday, May 24 until Sunday, June 1. Here are some of the best activities and events to enjoy near Cardiff. Got an event on this half term, email details to 1. Helios, Dyffryn Gardens A "breathtaking" sculpture is making its way to Dyffryn Gardens, on the outskirts of Cardiff, promising people a chance to "see the sun like never before". This round sculpture is seven meters wide and was made by British artist Luke Jerram. It will be on display at the South Lawn of Dyffryn Gardens in half term, from Friday, May 23 to Monday, May 26, and Thursday, May 29 to Sunday, June 1. You can read more, here. 2. Northampton vs Bordeaux Begles, Principality Stadium The Principality Stadium in the centre of Cardiff is hosting the Investec Champions Cup final. Northampton will play Bordeaux Begeles on Saturday, May 24, kick off at 2.45pm. Article continues below You can find out more and buy tickets, here. 3. The relocated Queen Street carousel, Cardiff Bay Queen Street carousel has moved (Image: Rahaf Ali ) While the iconic Queen Street carousel may not call the city centre street home anymore, you can still enjoy it in a new location. The popular carousel has been moved to Cardiff Bay and there is a new carousel to enjoy on Queen Street too. You can read more, here. 4. Blossom spotter trail, Tredegar House Another National Trust activity you shouldn't miss is the blossom spotter trail at Tredegar House. Located between Cardiff and Newport this is only a short drive away. Explore the 17th-century red brick mansion and uncover blossom-inspired decorations hidden throughout. Step back in time as you look for floral motifs on objects, carvings, paintings, walls, and ceilings. Then try on traditional outfits or use puppets to create your own story. Outside, there are 90 acres of beautiful gardens and parkland to explore. The trail runs from Saturday, May 24, until Sunday, June 1, from 11am to 4.30pm. 5. BBF holiday club, Insole Court BFF is a lively and engaging morning club designed for primary school children from reception to year 6, at Insole Court in Cardiff. This fun-filled program focuses on helping kids become even better friends through interactive activities, games, and discussions. Each session explores a key aspect of friendship, encouraging children to grow in their relational skills while having a fantastic time. The club is running from Monday, May 26, until Friday, May 30. You can book online, here. 6. Elvis rock & roll weekend, Cardiff Bay Forget Porthcawl, Elvis is coming to Cardiff Bay. The family-friendly festival celebrates the king of rock & roll with live music, tribute acts, boat trips, best dressed hound dog, an Elvis fun run, and more. The festival is running from Friday, May 30, until Sunday, June 1, and it is free to attend. 7. Community fun day, Red Dragon Centre There are some great free activities at the Red Dragon Centre (Image: WalesOnline/Rob Browne ) This half term, the Red Dragon Centre is hosting a vibrant community fun day on Wednesday, May 28, to celebrate the lead-up to Eid Al Adha. Enjoy a colourful local makers' market from 11am–6pm, perfect for browsing handmade gifts. From 12–4pm, families can join in free activities like lantern making, face painting, and meet Stitch from the new film. 8. Dinomania, National Museum Cardiff National Museum Cardiff is hosting dinomania this half term, from Wednesday, May 28 until Sunday, June 1. At the museum, you will meet adorable baby dinosaurs, meet Spike the huge Spinosaurus, learn dinosaur facts and explore a brilliant fossil collection. Tickets are £15 per adult and per child and you can book your tickets, here. 9. Mad science camps, schools across Cardiff Taking place at schools across Cardiff, including Cathedral School in Llandaff and RedRoses School in Allensbank, is the mad science camps. Let your child's imaginations run wild and spark their curiosity at the mad science camps. Whether launching rockets, experimenting with crazy chemistry, or going for a spin on the hovercraft rides, there's something for everyone. Each day promises a new and exciting adventure, with a diverse range of topics and themes to investigate and explore. The mad science camps are running on Tuesday, May 27, Wednesday, May 28, Thursday, May 29, and Friday, May 30. You can find out more and book, here. 10. Abseil down the Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay For a unique chance and in a rare opportunity, you can abseil down the Wales Millennium Centre this half term. To raise money for the Wales Millennium Centre this is a charity abseil, with a deposit and minimum fundraising target required to take part, you can read more here. Feel the thrill of descending into the heart of Cardiff Bay and enjoy breathtaking views as you make your way down the landmark building. A bit further afield... There are some fab activities a bit further out from Cardiff (Image: PA ) If you are happy to travel a bit further, there are some great activities you can enjoy further from Cardiff. From superstar gigs to cosy pubs, find out What's On in Wales by signing up to our newsletter here . 12. Big Banquet, Caldicot Castle Big Banquet returns to Caldicot Castle, opening on Friday, May 24 and running across the two half-term weekends of Friday, May 24 until Tuesday, May 27 and Saturday, May 31 to Monday, June 2. Big Banquet will be bringing its unique mix of gravity-defying high wire acts, family circus fun, and the best street food that Wales has to offer. 13. Bristol Zoo Project, Bristol While the iconic Bristol Zoo Gardens may be a thing of the past, there's still a fantastic place to visit across the Severn where you can see stunning animals and have a great time. The Bristol Zoo Project, previously known as The Wild Place Project, was launched by the Bristol Zoological Society in 2013. It's a wildlife park with a mission to protect threatened habitats both locally and globally. This zoo safeguards endangered habitats close to home, like British woodland, as well as those further afield in places like Madagascar, Cameroon, and the Congo. You can read more, here. Article continues below 14. Cadw Castle events Cadw locations, Chepstow Castle, Caer-went Roman Town, Caerleon Roman Baths and Raglan Castle could also be a fun option to jump in the car and visit. Over half term they will host various events like jester schools, family crafts and Medieval murder mysteries. Click here for dates and event details.
