FAQS

Interview by Luke Jerram

1. How did you come up with the idea of creating a work of art like the Museum of the Moon?

Bristol has the highest tidal range in Europe. There is a gap of 13 metres between high and low tide. As I cycled across the river to work every day, I realised that this is caused by the gravitational pull of the moon. I had the idea for the Museum of the Moon about 15 years ago, but it was only recently that the data for creating the moon images was made available by NASA.

As a child, I always wanted to have a telescope to study the moon and the night sky. Now, with my own moon, I can fly there, study every detail and share this experience with the public. We can explore the other side of the moon, which is never seen from Earth.

2. The moon has always been an inspiration for artists. What was so inspiring about the moon for you?

Since the dawn of human history, the Moon has acted as a "cultural mirror" for our beliefs, understanding and perspective. Over the centuries, the Moon has been interpreted as a god and as a planet. It has been used as a timekeeper, as a calendar and to aid nighttime navigation. Throughout history, the Moon has inspired artists, poets, scientists, writers and musicians around the world. The celestial blue light of the full Moon, the delicate crescent that follows the setting Sun or the mysterious dark side of the Moon have inspired passion and discovery. Different cultures around the world have their own historical, cultural, scientific and religious relationships with the Moon.

The Museum of the Moon allows us to observe and consider cultural similarities and differences around the world and to incorporate the latest findings in lunar research. Depending on where the artwork is presented, its meaning and interpretation changes. Through local research at each location of the artwork, new stories and meanings are collected and compared from one presentation to the next.

3. During its tour, the moon was always shown in public spaces. Why is it important for you to show your artwork in public spaces?

Depending on where the artwork is presented, the meaning and interpretation of the Museum of the Moon changes. The interpretation of the moon will be completely different if it is presented in a cathedral, a warehouse, a science museum or an art center. Whether the artwork is exhibited in China, the United States, India or Europe, the cultural context also influences the interpretations by the audience. Each culture has its own relationship with the moon, which varies from country to country.

4. Museum of the Moon consists of very precise images of the moon from NASA. Can you explain this choice?

I wanted the artwork to feel as authentic and realistic as possible. For most people, this will be the most intimate, personal and direct encounter with the moon they will ever have.

5. How did the public react?

It has been wonderful to see the public’s reaction to the artwork. Many people spend hours looking at the moon and
explore every detail. Some visitors lie down and take a moon bath.

At our exhibition at the Natural History Museum, a man in a suit came up to me crying. He explained that he was a space scientist with the European Space Agency and had spent his career studying the surface of the moon. I hugged him and he left the exhibition a very happy man! In Leicester, a young girl asked, "Are you bringing the moon back afterwards?" She thought I had stolen the real moon! I assured the young girl that I would definitely bring the moon back after the exhibition. In Bristol, we had an unexpected group of visitors dressed as astronauts who came into the exhibition in slow motion! In Marseille, I arranged the deckchairs in a semi-circle under the moon. Within minutes, many of the chairs were grouped in pairs and occupied by couples holding hands!

6. Why is the artwork so well received?

I think one of the reasons the artwork has been so well received so far is because it allows space for people to interact with each other and participate in a shared experience. The artwork can be used and enjoyed by different people on different levels. A 4 year old child can enjoy it as well as a professional astronomer. To date, over 3 million people have visited the artwork. We often attract large crowds, many of whom have never visited a museum or gallery before. The Museum of the Moon is both an installation artwork and a place for other people to be creative. Hosts create their own moon-inspired events that take place under the moon. This allows the artwork to reflect the culture and community of a place.

7. Each venue where the Museum of the Moon was shown had its own architectural features. Different performances were also offered under the moon. This means that new stories are always being created. Why is it important for you to have several performances under your moon?

Like many of my artworks such as Play Me, I'm Yours and Withdrawn, this piece offers opportunities for collaboration and creative input from others.

The Museum of the Moon is an installation artwork that combines the architecture of the space, the sculpture of the moon, and a surround sound composition. Each venue and host will have the opportunity to curate their own moon-inspired events that reflect local culture and creativity.

8. Music is also very important to your work. How relevant and important is Dan Jones' composition to your work?

The Museum of the Moon installation is a fusion of lunar imagery, moonlight and surround sound composition. I have worked with Dan for over 15 years and have commissioned him to compose music for a number of my art installations. We both know the power of music to create images in our imagination.

At the Museum of the Moon, the surround sound composition helps to connect the moon sculpture with the surrounding architecture. For me, the music in the room sets the atmosphere of the experience and guides the interpretation of the artwork.

9. How long did it take to create the artwork?

The artwork took 6 months to produce. There was a lot of prototyping, planning and fundraising. The artwork was commissioned by many partners who came together to support the original idea. I had the idea to make this exact facsimile of the moon 15 years ago, but neither the data nor the printing technology were available at the time.