Artist Tom Meskell brings his touring installation Basking to the At 6s & 7s Gallery in Tipperary Town this November/December with Basking - The Nursery, an immersive light installation celebrating the gentle mystery of the basking shark.
The exhibition was officially launched on Friday 14 November by Cllr. Marie Murphy, Leas Chathaoirleach Tipperary-Cahir-Cashel Municipal District, amidst a large community attendance and is now available for all to enjoy until 19 December. At 6s & 7s Gallery is opened from Tuesdays to Fridays from 10am to 4pm and Saturdays from 11am to 4 pm.
The initial installation in July of this year in Roscommon Arts Centre focused on the adult Basking Shark, his current show is inspired by the rarely seen early life of these ocean giants.
The Nursery transforms the gallery into a glowing underwater world of light and sound. Two illuminated basking shark pups, each over six feet long, will appear to swim through the space alongside moon jellies and plankton. “This iteration of Basking is allowing me to explore different formats the project can take - being inspired by the new space and context in Tipperary,” says artist Tom Meskell.
Working in collaboration with local artists, Meskell built the installation over ten days, sharing advanced lantern-making and installation techniques. Community engagement also included workshops with a Foróige teenage group and primary school pupils from the Monastery school, whose creations have become part of the final installation. An information sheet is available for groups that would like to visit the exhibition.
The project is supported by The Irish Basking Shark Group, bringing the wonder and reality of these remarkable creatures to life. Dr. Ruth Leeney, interdisciplinary biologist at UCD, advised the artist on the physical features of the basking shark pups and offered insight on Ireland’s natural heritage and biodiversity.
This project takes place as part of Tipperary County Council’s Arts Programme with the support of the Arts Council and in cooperation with Creative Places Tipperary Town. More information on this community arts project via www.tipperaryarts.ie/basking.
Photo from left to right: Magdalena Rudnicka (artist), Paula Hynes (gallery), Gerry Carew (gallery), Libuse Horankova (artist), Jennie Spencer (artist), Cllr. Marie Murphy (Leas Chathaoirleach Tipperary-Cahir-Cashel Municipal District), Dr. Ruth Leeney (UCD), Melanie Scott (Tipperary Arts Officer), Tom Meskell (lead artist). Photo by Caleb Barrett.
