Paul Cocksedge Coalescence

A single 200W light bulb, turned on for a year, would consume over half a tonne of coal – this sculpture represents that same amount. Coalescence is made up of 2,500 pieces of anthracite, which is a form of high carbon coal that has a lustrous quality when illuminated.

“This piece feels apt, considering the current conversations around energy consumption,” says the artist. “As a maker, it was important for me to go to the source, and be part of the excavation process. I spent months hand-drilling each piece of coal, which gave me a new appreciation for the beauty of working with natural materials. It’s easy to forget the origins of the energy that’s required in almost every aspect of our lives.

As a place of contemplation, Liverpool Cathedral felt like the perfect space to show Coalescence. I hope it encourages conversation and debate around our relationship with fossil fuels and the need to reach net zero.”