An artist is taking a bold stance on the energy crisis and dwindling fossil fuels by suspending half a tonne of crystal-like coal from the Gothic ceiling of Liverpool Cathedral.
Paul Cocksedge's latest installation, called Coalescence, contains enough coal to power a single 200W lightbulb for a year.
The massive 6m sculpture will be illuminated for all to see within the magnificent halls of the Cathedral, lighting up the Grade I listed building with thousands of shards of sparkling coal from February 9 until March 12.
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Paul, 44, said: "A lot of my work is to do with light and electricity, and so I did a simple calculation of how much coal would be needed to power one lightbulb for a year. That's what triggered the idea to create a sculpture of an epic size.
"That's the amount of coal you need to power just one lightbulb. When you look at the lights on our ceilings, on every street, in every car, you realise how you take these things for granted. It relates to what we're all talking about at the moment - unsustainable energy, and the challenge of finding an alternative."
Paul spent six months designing and crafting Coalescence using anthracite, a type of coal with a high lustre that is low in impurities, obtained from one of the last remaining coal mines in the Wales.
Its installation in Liverpool, supported by Carpenters Workshop Gallery, forms part of a programme of events, exhibitions and artworks leading up to the Cathedral’s 100th anniversary, which falls next year.
Paul, whose previous work has appeared at the Friedman Benda Gallery in New York, said: "I had this preconception about coal being an ugly material, but this material sung back at me and it sparkled and I was fascinated by it. When you see it in the surroundings of the Cathedral, it almost looks like glass.
"We collected the amount of coal we needed in bigger chunks and then chipped every single piece, and every piece we weighed and found a place for.
"These days we are moving away from coal, and for good reason, but that's only part of the story. For me, it's a wonderful opportunity to put something out there for all to see and have those conversations.
"I want people to initially be drawn to the curiosity of what is suspended. and what is hopefully an attractive thing."
The Dean of Liverpool, Dr Sue Jones, said: “Paul Cocksedge is exceptionally talented and his work has been shown at iconic locations around the world. We’re enormously grateful that Paul has chosen to debut his fantastic Coalescence installation in the wonderful surroundings of Liverpool Cathedral.
“As a place of encounter, contemplation and reflection, Liverpool Cathedral is a space where people can come to find a sense of joy and wonder as they connect with thought-provoking artworks like Coalescence. Our previous collaborations with contemporary artists have been extremely well received and we’re very much looking forward to encouraging people to take time out to appreciate the remarkable beauty of Coalescence as they consider some of the issues explored by the piece.”
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