Luke Jerram’s captivating artwork, Mars: War & Peace, has arrived at Peterborough Cathedral. Measuring seven metres in diameter, the artwork features 120dpi detailed NASA imagery of the Martian surface.
At around one million times smaller than the actual planet, each centimetre of the internally lit spherical sculpture represents 10 kilometres of the surface of Mars.
The artwork allows spectators to view Mars from the air, as though they were a satellite mapping and studying the surface in perfect detail.
To @pborocathedral and opening of Luke Jerram's spectacular Mars: War & Peace latest artwork. Until January 29 pic.twitter.com/ONxmYBflE6
— John Elworthy (@johnelworthy) January 10, 2024
Every valley, crater, volcano, and mountain is laid bare. The artwork transports us to the desert wasteland, to imagine what it’s like to step foot on this incredible planet.
The artwork has been displayed at various venues including Kensington & Chelsea Festival last summer, but this is the first time it has been displayed in a cathedral setting.
The cathedral is hosting the new exhibit from Luke Jerram which follows on from his other astronomical artworks Museum of the Moon and Gaia.
His latest work with a new soundtrack is being presented in the Nave “a space to encourage peaceful contemplation”.
The artwork will be open for viewing until January 29.
“Mars: War & Peace provides an opportunity for the public to consider the history of human conflict around the world,” said a cathedral spokesperson.
“Visitors will feel transported to the inhospitable desert wasteland of Mars, whilst also reflecting on the realities of war for ordinary communities on our planet.”
Luke Jerram said: “Mars: War & Peace follows on from my other touring astronomical artworks Museum of the Moon and Gaia and allows a close encounter with the Martian planet.
“I hope that visitors will feel transported to its inhospitable desert wasteland and in comparison, really value our life on Earth.”
Accompanying the Mars sculpture is a newly created sound composition by BAFTA and Ivor Novello award winning composer Dan Jones.
Featuring the sounds of seas, deserts, and clips from NASA missions to Mars, it also incorporates the sounds of distant bombing and people marching, as if to war.
“The cosmic artwork is a fusion of Mars imagery, light and surround sound composition and what’s more will be free to view during normal cathedral hours,” said the cathedral spokesperson.
“It’s the perfect way to brighten up those grey January days. On selected evenings, you can come and bathe in its ethereal, spellbinding glow for just £3pp.
“This is the first time that Mars: War & Peace has been displayed in a cathedral, something the whole city can be incredibly proud of.
“Like other venues the cathedral has programmed a series of events to encourage contemplation not just of the beauty of the red planet but the vast wonder of space and creation.”
Peterborough Cathedral also joins forces with Peterborough Positive and businesses across the city offering special incentives and discounts on selected days wherever you see the Mars sticker in the window.
Businesses include, The Key Theatre, Peterborough City council, Bean Around, Dice Box, Soul Happy, Westgate Grill, Blind Tiger, The Museum, Embe Afro Caribbean restaurant, and Becket’s Traditional Tea Rooms.
Head of Marketing & Communications at Peterborough Cathedral, Paul Stainton said: “It is fantastic that so many local businesses have come together, with the help of the Peterborough Positive BID team, to support our Mars art installation.
“With money in short supply after Christmas, people can bring their families and enjoy this amazing artwork for free during our normal business hours.
“This is turn should provide a welcome boost for the city centre, and increase footfall considerably, in what is normally a quiet month.”
Peterborough Cathedral until January 29th. PHOTO: Terry Harris
Entry is free but £3 on selected evenings. Full details here:
https://www.peterborough-cathedral.org.uk/home/mars-war–peace.aspx
