Unmasking Nature exhibition opens at The Bank, Dublin 6‑22 November

From 6 – 22 November, the multisensory exhibition “Unmasking Nature” will be on view at The Bank, The Digital Hub, Dublin 8.

Led by artist AlanJames Burns in partnership with Dublin City University and Rinn Artificial Intelligence, the show forms part of Beta Festival 2026 and explores links between neurodiversity, biodiversity and our relationship with the natural world.

Described as a sensory “hibernation sanctuary”, the exhibition invites visitors to burrow, stim, fidget and move at their own pace, using natural materials, video artworks, soft sculptures and interactive installations inspired by Ireland’s rich biodiversity.

Central to the display is StimDex, an index of the “stim‑ability” of Irish biodiversity, featuring sustainably foraged items such as pinecones and seed pods that can be touched and explored. The programme also includes the video work “Foram”, which looks at microscopic marine organisms and climate history.

Two special events complement the gallery experience: a storytelling walking tour, “Deep Dive into Energy Stories of Dublin”, on Friday 6 November (1 pm‑2.30 pm) facilitated by Codema, and an interactive talk on StimDex on Saturday 7 November (11 am‑12.30 pm) led by biophilic experts Eóin O’Raghallaigh and Melissa O’Brien.

Designed for neurodivergent audiences, the exhibition provides ISL, open captions, audio description, step‑free access, a quiet space and a relaxed environment. It runs Wednesday‑Sunday, 12 pm‑6 pm, with free admission.

Further details are available at www.betafestival.ie/festival-programme/unmasking-nature and www.alanjamesburns.com/unmasking-nature.

Source: Dublin Gazette. Photo: Gül Işık / Pexels.