A spectacular art installation will be making its world debut at Liverpool Cathedral this month.
Created by award-winning British designer, Paul Cocksedge, Coalescence will open on February 9 and run until March 12. The artwork will be free to experience, with guests invited to admire the extraordinary sculpture, which will be illuminated and suspended from the ceilling as thousands of pieces of coal sparkle in the light.
Coalescence aims to spark questions around energy consumption, the history of fossil fuels and the need to reach net zero. The artwork features over half a tonne of coal, representing the amount of power needed to light one 200W light bulb for a year.
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Spanning six metres in diameter, Coalesence is made from anthracite, a type of coal with a high lustre that is low in impurities. The coal used to create the artwork has been specially sourced from one of the last remaining coal mines in the UK.
Explaining the creative process behind Coalesence, Paul said: "This is a simple idea that has led to an incredible, educational journey. I've become really close to the material, hand-drilling thousands of pieces of coal to make this artwork.
"What I enjoy about this piece is that it sculpturally represents energy, as well as connecting to a huge range of challenges society is facing around where our energy comes from, how it's sourced and what it costs. Showing this in Liverpool Cathedral, in this year in particular, felt very timely."
The Very Revd Dr Sue Jones, The Dean of Liverpool, added: "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 some time out to appreciate the remarkable beauty of Coalesence as they consider some of the issues explored by the piece."
The Coalescence installation, supported by Carpenters Workshop Gallery, forms part of a programme of events, exhibitions and artworks leading up to Liverpool Cathedral’s 100th anniversary, which falls next year. To find out more, click here.
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