The eagerly anticipated Kensington & Chelsea Festival in 2023 is set to unveil an extraordinary attraction that promises to captivate and inspire attendees.
The centrepiece of this year’s festival is “Mars: War & Peace,” a remarkable touring artwork brought to life by the visionary UK artist, Luke Jerram.
Exploring the Red Planet: Mars in Stunning Detail
“Mars: War & Peace” is an awe-inspiring spectacle, boasting a colossal diameter of seven metres. This spherical masterpiece showcases exquisitely detailed NASA imagery of the Martian surface, with an impressive resolution of 120 dpi. Remarkably, each centimetre of this internally lit sculpture accurately represents 10 kilometres of the enigmatic Mars terrain.
Through this unique artwork, visitors are granted the unique vantage point of viewing Mars from above, akin to being a satellite meticulously mapping and studying the planet’s surface. Every crevice, crater, volcano, and mountain is vividly revealed, inviting spectators to immerse themselves in this desert-like landscape and contemplate the profound contrasts between Earth and Mars.
The Story Behind the Name: Mars – God of War
The ancient Romans aptly named Mars after their god of war due to its striking reddish hue, evoking thoughts of bloodshed. Accompanying the sculpture is an evocative sound composition curated by the esteemed BAFTA and Ivor Novello award-winning composer, Dan Jones.
Merging sounds of seas, deserts, and NASA missions to Mars, this soundscape also incorporates the distant echoes of bombing and marching, creating an eerily immersive experience, evoking reflections on the contemporary conflict in Ukraine and the history of war.
Luke Jerram’s Vision: A Journey to the Red Planet
Luke Jerram himself shares his insight into the inspiration behind “Mars: War & Peace.” This captivating installation follows in the footsteps of his previous astronomical works, such as “Museum of the Moon” and “Gaia,” providing a unique opportunity for a close encounter with the enigmatic planet Mars. As the installation premieres its new soundtrack at the Kensington & Chelsea Festival, Jerram aims to transport visitors to the inhospitable Martian wasteland while compelling them to confront the harsh realities of war on our own planet.
“Mars: War & Peace” is an innovative fusion of Mars‘ imagery, dynamic lighting, and a surround sound composition, creating an otherworldly ambience that enthrals the senses. Each venue further augments the experience by hosting a series of thought-provoking events, celebrating the beauty of the red planet and the marvels of space science while shedding light on societal injustices and the profound impact of war.
Continuing Success: Mars at the Kensington & Chelsea Festival
Following the resounding success of Luke Jerram’s previous works at the Kensington and Chelsea Festival, drawing up to 3,000 visitors per day, “Mars: War & Peace” promises to be an even more profound and captivating experience. This summer marks the installation’s debut in a Church setting, accompanied by an entirely new and specially curated soundscape, exclusively created for the festival.
The eagerly awaited “Mars: War & Peace” installation will grace three different locations across the festival:
- St John the Baptist Church (W14 8AH) – Saturday 22nd July to Sunday 30th July 2023
- All Saints’ Church (W11 1JS) – Monday 31st July to Tuesday 8th August 2023
- Jubilee Square (W8 7NX) – An outdoor setting from Thursday 10th August to Sunday 13th August 2023
To secure a spot to witness this mesmerizing spectacle, tickets will be required. However, all locations will be open to the public, free of charge.
Conclusion
Prepare to embark on an extraordinary journey through space and time at the Kensington & Chelsea Festival 2023 with “Mars: War & Peace.” Luke Jerram’s visionary artwork, coupled with a captivating soundscape, promises an unparalleled experience that will leave a lasting impression on all attendees. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to explore the mysteries of Mars and contemplate the profound meaning of war and peace in our world.