A light installation described as a 'glow of hope' has opened at the National Botanic Gardens as part of a mental health festival.
There are 50 human-shaped lanterns which will be lit up every evening for the next two weeks in Glasnevin, Dublin, as part of the First Fortnight Festival's collection of creative works and events.
He described the work as a wonderful experience; with people coming along who, in many cases, had no background in art.
The figures, which will be lit up in the evening via green lights, look like they are dancing - Tom Meskell said this was part of the joy of the creation.
"All the positions were chosen by the participants who made them, it was up to them," he said.
"People seemed to choose these joyous positions of dancing with arms out, nobody wanted to do this (he folds his arms) or this (he puts his arms down by his side) so that says a lot for the people that did it."
Mr Meskell said the whole process led to "relaxed, wonderful conversations".
When people's hands are busy, the mind can rest, he said.
Artist Deirdre O'Reilly helped to create one of the figures.
She said the experience was amazing and that being part of a big collaboration with people from all walks of life was special.
Standing among the white figures as the light faded in the sky she said: "There is a really kind of calm sense here."
A soundscape written by Kila's Brian Hogan and Colm Ó Snodaigh createS the musical background for the piece.
Maria Fleming, Chief Executive of the First Fortnight Festival, said arts and culture can help people through mental health illness.
The festival works with artists who may have a lived experience of mental ill health or a passion or interest in mental health.
She hopes people attending the various events around the country will have "unscripted conversations" about mental health that will help to normalise it.
Ms Fleming said the festival hopes to create "a little cultural oasis at the start of every year for people who might be struggling" and that the events give people an opportunity to come together and find connection.
The Arts Council-sponsored festival will have events around the country while Silva Lumina will move on to Longford next month.
The Office of Public Works and the Botanic Gardens have partnered with First Fortnight on Silva Lumina.
