The arrival of the Helios exhibition at Liverpool’s majestic Anglican Cathedral has coincided with a spell of glorious spring weather that has complimented the artist’s work. My trip to view the view Luke Jerram’s Helios in all of its glory took place on Palm Sunday.
Following on from his previous works Gaia and Museum of the Moon, Helios, named after the Greek sun god, is the third celestial work by artist Luke Jerram which has been displayed in the cathedral.
Helios is a meticulously recreated seven-metre diameter representation in which every square centimetre of the display represents a mind blowing four million square kilometres of the Sun’s surface.
Helios has been produced from photographs of the Sun taken by Astrophotographer Dr Stuart Green over a six-year period and the artwork is complimented by ethereal Solar sounds and mission recordings provided by NASA and compiled into a surround sound track by Duncan Speakman and Sarah Anderson. Understandably the full immersive accompanying soundtrack to this multi-faceted experience is not available during church services.
Helios provides the viewer with a unique close-up experience of the sun’s surface, something which can normally only be viewed with the aid of specially designed equipment.
Displayed in the Nave of the largest cathedral in Britian the sheer scale of the setting allows the viewer to contemplate this sculpture and reflect on the importance of this celestial body, which brings the light and heat needed to sustain life on this planet, to our existence. It is fitting that Helios is being displayed in the Anglican Cathedral during the Easter period. The Dean of Liverpool, the Very Reverand Dr Sue Jones shares that; “We are delighted that Helios will be installed over the Easter period which helps us to reflect on light and the life-giving light of the resurrection which brings new life”.
To complement Helios, Liverpool Cathedral is also running a complimentary programme of accompanying events which are designed to allow visitors to experience the installation in a number of unique ways. These include opportunities to enjoy fine dining under the sun, yoga sessions, storytelling together with a fundraising Cathedral Sleepout under the Sun. A full list of events can be found at; liverpoolcathedral.org.uk/plan-your-visit/helios/helios-programme.
Helios
Liverpool Cathedral
Until 9 May 2025
Free Entry
Bryan Fowler
