Basking is a celebration of both the resilience of nature and the power of community.

The exhibition will feature a life-sized lantern sculpture of a basking shark, surrounded by over 60 shell-like lantern structures, all crafted from willow and tissue paper and lit from within. Featuring a soundscape by renowned artists Colm Ó Snodaigh and Brian Hogan.

The materials, with their organic and delicate qualities, reflect the fragile yet enduring spirit of the natural world.

Roscommon Arts Centre invites local communities and regional artists in the area to be part of the exhibition and work with the artist Tom Meskell through a series of workshops in creating and making this very special exhibition.

The work draws inspiration from Tom’s time spent working at a nursing home on Achill Island, where he heard countless stories from locals about the basking sharks that once roamed the waters in abundance. These sharks were hunted almost to extinction, but their numbers have begun to recover, symbolising the possibility of healing and environmental restoration. This shift is a reminder that the damage we have caused to our planet is not irreversible if we make thoughtful, intentional decisions.

The exhibition will be created in collaboration with the community, including school groups and aspiring artists seeking mentorship. Basking will reflect on environmental changes, the importance of shared creation and learning, whilst reflecting the interconnectedness of nature and our role in its preservation.