SURFERS PARADISE.- Contemporary cultural precinct HOTA, Home of the Arts, has today unveiled the major internationally renowned installation Gaia, marking the first time the artwork has been presented on Australia's East Coast. From today until 11 October, Gaia will be open to the public for free day and night viewing, against the backdrop of the Gold Coast city skyline.

Created by UK multidisciplinary artist Luke Jerram, Gaia measures seven metres in diameter and combines 120dpi detailed NASA imagery of the Earth’s surface with specially made surround sound composition by BAFTA award winning composer Dan Jones. Gaia is the personification of the Earth in Greek Mythology and this major artwork provides visitors the opportunity to view our planet as if they were astronauts looking on from outer space.

A rich and captivating eleven-day live program of free and ticketed events entitled WONDER will orbit the awe-inspiring, major installation as it rotates and floats serenely, suspended from HOTA’s Outdoor Stage.

On October 3, world-renowned guitar virtuosa and ARIA-award winning performer Karin Schaupp curates and directs Sounds of Wanderlust, featuring performances by Orava String Quartet, Yugambeh Youth Choir, Hungarian cello soloist Gyorgy Deri in his Australian debut, and an unmissable solo performance from famed opera star, Jose Carbo.




On October 10, Return to Earth directed by Gavin Webber of The Farm, provides an evening of contemporary dance, music and circus, with performances by Tenzin Choegyal, Guy Webster, Taree and Caleena Sansbury, Thomas E. S. Kelly, Kayah and Maitreyah Guenther, Aarti Bajaj, and others.

The Birth and Death of Stars rounds off the program on October 11, with live music and a new show from multi-award winning, international touring group – Mzaza – playing underneath Gaia. Their exotic rhythms and melodies tap into the beating heart of humankind taking audiences on a musical ride.

Criena Gehrke, Chief Executive Officer of HOTA, Home of the Arts said: “Luke Jerram’s stunning installation captures the beauty and fragility of our planet. In a time where people are overwhelmed, this captivating artwork offers a gentle space for reflection. Audiences can come and sit on the lawn, enjoying the experience in their own time with loved ones, or take advantage of the performances taking place that will respond to the wonder of Gaia. We are thrilled to be able to provide the opportunity to connect with work from a celebrated international artist.”

Artist Luke Jerram said: “Gaia creates a sense of the Overview Effect, the experience of awe for the planet, a profound understanding of the interconnection of all life, and a renewed sense of responsibility for taking care of the environment, as felt by astronauts in outer space. Now in light of the current COVID-19 pandemic, the artwork may provide the viewer with a new perspective; a sense that societies of the Earth are all interconnected and that we have a responsibility toward one another. After the lockdown, there has been a renewed respect for our natural world.”

The new AUD$60.5 million HOTA Gallery is currently under construction within HOTA precinct on the Gold Coast in Queensland and once completed will be the largest public gallery outside a capital city in Australia.