As part of the protest against Israeli action in Gaza, some – such as the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions Movement – are calling for boycotts of US companies, because of their investment in Israel or because of the US’s support for Israel. Above, an advertising hoarding for Coke has been modified with “Viva Palestine” and “#shareacoke” has become “#killercoke”. Below, “”Boycott Israeli goods” has been written across the bottom of a McDonald’s hoarding at the junction of the Cavehill and Antrim Roads. McDonald’s is #9 in this list in the Christian Science Monitor.
Kieran Doherty died on this date (August 2nd) 1981 after 73 days on hunger-strike. The new mural above depicts scenes from his funeral on 1981-08-04. The portrait of Doherty in the top left replaces a similar one in the same location; the plaque at the portrait’s top-right corner remains from before. The angled panel shows Doherty’s parents, Alfie and Margaret.
Below are two details – the hearse and the volley – taken in early July but at that time largely complete. At this time, the (in-progress) mural drew criticism for featuring masked gunmen (BBC | Tele). Finally, there is a shot of the whole wall at an early stage.
The photograph on which the central panel is based is by Derek Spiers; see also this set at hungerstrikes.org. The volley took place outside the Doherty family home in nearby Commedagh Drive (Belfast Media).
Above is a banner on the scaffolding surrounding Teach Chú Chulaınn/Cuchulainn House/(formerly Churchill House) in the New Lodge, visible from the motorway, as can be seen in the wide shot, below, taken from Clifton Street bridge.
Here is a final set of images of the New Lodge community mural, painted by Ed Reynolds. Above is a detail from one of the panels. Below are a wide shot of the whole, a picture of Ed repairing the vandalism which can be see towards the left of the wide shot, and finally one of the crew covering the piece in an anti-graffiti varnish.
More images of the work in progress can be seen at Ed’s web site, steadyhanded.com.
Carlos Latuff’s cartoon Do Not Disturb – War Criminals Working is reproduced as part of a new mural in the Short Strand – shown in full below. An aproned Benjamin Netanyahu sits in a Gaza trough, filled with the blood of people he butchers with a cleaver in his right hand while gesturing for secrecy with his left. The world watches with some concern, Ban Ki-Moon and the UN look away, and the Arab League is asleep. Barack Obama prevents any intervention with an outstretched arm.
Mural celebrating the old Tiger’s Bay First Flute marching band, established 1983. The mural is in the style of the UDA’s insignia; of late a UDA power-struggle has been taking place in the area – see Split.
In the background is a board showing the Union flag, the Ulster banner, and St. Andrew’s saltire (the latter pair are also featured in the lower corners of the mural), which in June replaced a ‘Mother – Daughter – Sister’ board celebrating women and designed by children from the local Mountcollyer Youth Club.
Street art on Unity Walk (between North Street and Kent Street) by NOTA (“none of the above” – his web site appears to have disappeared and there’s nothing for TMN – The Most Nasty) showing a US flag in flames.
Extramural Activity 