Helios is a new touring artwork by UK artist Luke Jerram.
Measuring seven metres in diameter, the artwork features 72dpi detailed imagery* of the Sun’s surface. At an approximate scale of 1:200 million, each centimetre of the internally lit spherical sculpture represents 2000km of the Sun’s surface.
It is very dangerous to look at the Sun directly as it can damage our eyesight, so Helios provides a safe opportunity for the public to get up close to, and inspect its extraordinarily detailed surface, including sunspots, spicules and filaments. The sculpture also features the source of the solar flares which caused the Northern lights to be visible from the UK in May 2024.
The installation is a fusion of solar imagery, sunlight and a specially created surround sound composition by Duncan Speakman and Sarah Anderson.
Over its lifetime, Helios will be presented in a number of different locations worldwide, both indoors and outdoors, so altering the experience and interpretation of the artwork. As it travels from place to place, it will collect personal responses, stories and mythologies, as well as highlighting the latest solar science.
Helios will also act as a venue, enabling hosts to create their own programme of Sun inspired events and activities to take place beneath the artwork, including orchestral and choral performances; space science lectures by astronauts; environmental and wellbeing discussions with scientists and activists; yoga; poetry readings; dance and theatre performances.
Helios, in ancient Greek mythology, is the god who personifies the Sun. He drove a four-horse chariot across the sky each day, giving the earth its hours and seasons.
* The imagery for the artwork has been compiled using approximately 400,000 photographs of the Sun provided by Astrophotographer Dr Stuart Green (taken between May 2018 to June 2024) and NASA observations of the Sun, with guidance from solar scientist, Professor Lucie Green of University College London (UCL).
Sun and Wellbeing
Sunlight is important for both our physical and mental health. Too much heat and the Sun is perceived as oppressive and unrelenting, yet at the right time, light and warmth lifts our mood, and improves our well-being. Helios will provide an opportunity to programme workshops and events with positive messaging around mental health. Currently there is a mental health crisis among young people and with an aging population, as more and more people find themselves living alone, the artwork can be used to bring people together. Presenting Helios in the middle of winter, when it’s cold outside and sunshine is scarce, might have the potential to make visitors feel better.
Sun as Timekeeper
The position of the Sun in relation to the Earth alters day by day and hour by hour. As such, this relationship has been used as a timekeeper, defining our measurement of time and calendars throughout the ages. Each day, the position of the Sun in the sky tells most life on our planet when to wake up and when to sleep. Over the course of the year, the location of the Sun has defined the moment for sowing seeds, the time to harvest and times for ritual celebration.
Sun in Culture
As a life giver, the Sun has always been an object of veneration in many cultures and has influenced all aspects of humanity throughout the ages. Considered as a god in some religions, Helios can be used to connect with communities from different religions and backgrounds. There are many religious festivals throughout the year which can provide a moment of celebration, such as Diwali, the Hindu festival of light and the Chhath and Thai Pongal worshipping of the Hindu sun god Surya; solstices and equinoxes; the Pagan Litha Midsummer festival and Inti Raymi, the Incan festival of the Sun.
Partners
Helios has been co-commissioned by National Trust, Cork Midsummer Festival, Liverpool Cathedral, Old Royal Naval College and University College London.
Background
Helios follows on from Luke’s other astronomical artworks Museum of the Moon, Gaia, and Mars.
Luke Jerram’s multidisciplinary practice involves the creation of sculptures, installations and live arts projects. Living in the UK but working internationally since 1997, Jerram has created a number of extraordinary art projects which have excited and inspired people around the globe. Find out more via his main website. In 2019 Luke Jerram was elected Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society.
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