Here’s a complete set of the lettering on all the shutters of the Spectrum Centre without any cars on either the Shankill Road or Tennent Street!
There might be a connection to Stronger Together NI (Fb) – get in touch if you can confirm.
Art probably by CAP (Fb) and/or Vault (Fb).
More street art on the Spectrum Centre: Not Today, Satan. Not Today | White Dove | Blue Tit | Half Human
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Copyright © 2022 Seosamh Mac Coılle
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The SNP [Scottish National Party] became the largest party in the Scottish parliament in 2007 and went from 6 Westminster seats in 2010 to a completely dominant 56 (of 59) in 2015. It spearheaded a referendum in 2014, which was defeated 55% to 47% (WP). Scottish independence is again included in the manifesto of the SNP – though it has not committed to a specific date on account of the Covid pandemic – and as such the SNP remains a threat to the integrity of the UK that Northern Ireland unionists espouse. Hence this sticker on the Shankill Road, even though the SNP does not stand any candidates in NI elections.
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Copyright © 2022 Seosamh Mac Coılle
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“Ireland supporrs [sic] the people of Donetsk”. “Donetsk” is the name of both the oblast and its captial city, as is “Luhansk”. In 2014, pro-Russian separatists in both capitals stormed government buildings, and each held a referendum (not recognised by any regime, including Russia) and declared independence from Ukraine (WP). As a prelude to the 2022 invasion of Ukraine by Russia, Vladimir Putin recognised the two independent republics and sent Russian troops into the two regions on a so-called “peace-keeping mission” (CNN), which subsequently became an invasion of Ukraine generally, with the Russians “demilitarising” various Ukrainian cities and suburbs – including towns in Donetsk and Lunhansk (e.g. in Donestsk | in Luhansk) by destroying them (Battle Of Bến Tre). Russian forces were forced to retreat from around Kyiv (roughly March 25th onward) and some have been put in place around Izyum and along the eastern Russia-Ukraine border in preparation for a battle for Donetsk and Luhansk; however, it is not clear that it will take place on the Russian’s terms (ISW), and instead that Ukrainian forces will eventually attempt to regain the separatist-controlled areas.
This graffiti is next to Victory To The Workers/Victory To The NHS.
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Today is the last day to register to vote in the May 5th Assembly election. You can register on-line at gov.uk. Currently, 1.4 million people are registered in Northern Ireland (BBC). As today’s images make clear, the poles of Belfast are already cluttered with placards for the various candidates, as well as the salient issues, such as the “sea border” and the death of Noah Donohoe.
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Scientists are the unusual inclusion in this list of “heroes”, alongside the more typical health-care workers, first responders, delivery people, front-line workers, and community workers. Among the many NHS appreciation posts, the following specify various types of pandemic heroes: Not All Heroes Wear Capes | The Glorious Dead | Key Workers | God Is Not Unrighteous | Thank You NHS | West Belfast Supports The Essential Frontline Workers | Thank You NHS | Prepared For Work, Ready For Coronavirus.
“You are appreciated – we are grateful – thank you – we love [and] respect you – bless you, stay safe.”
Ballymurphy Road, Belfast.
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“In loving memory of Seamus, murdered by death drivers 3rd August 2019. Deeply regretted by his wife, children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, brothers and sister.” This memorial plaque is on some railings on the Whiterock Road, close to the spot where Seamus Conlon was hit by a car as he attended a funeral. One Michael Loughran was sentenced to 10 years: after a night of alcohol and cocaine, he had stolen his uncle’s car and had been “joy”-riding for 90 minutes before losing control and crashing (BelTel).
See previously: Death Driving | Death Drivers | Where’s The Joy? | Car Crime Is A Growing Problem
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Henri Cartier-Bresson said of Che Guevara’s eyes that they “glow; they coax, entice and mesmerize.” (WaPo), and (in a special feature ‘This Is Castro’s Cuba Seen Face To Face‘ that he shot for Life magazine) described Che as “an impetuous man with burning eyes and profound intelligence who seems born to make revolution”. The descriptions seem to fit the iconic “Guerrillero Heroico” photo by Alberto Korda, which Jim Fitzpatrick took as the basis for his two-tone poster version, but raised the eyes even more (WP).
This small Che board is in the alley between Ross Road and the Falls Road, near You’re Never Alone, over the back door to someone’s yard. It dates back to at least 2016.
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The ‘Peace Wall Stories’ installation along the Cupar Street “peace” line, was launched last Saturday (April 2nd). Photographer Stephen Wilson (web) has produced half-tone portraits in newspaper style, each 2.5 metres tall, of a dozen people from both communities who live near barriers in Belfast.
There is an iPhone/iPad app that goes along with the project, which allows you to point your mobile at a portrait and have the person pictured come alive and speak to you about their experiences; for those without iPhones or the app, the recordings can be heard at the project’s web site.
Part of the Imagine! Belfast Festival, 2022.
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Copyright © 2022 Seosamh Mac Coılle
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Here are three images from CNR west Belfast commenting on the Russian invasion of Ukraine (plus a bonus one calling for the abolition of capitalism). Above, “End the war” and “Stop war in Ukraine”. The Leeds United flag has presumably been deployed for its blue and yellow colours, rather than for its “Marching on together” slogan. At bottom, “Stop the war! Russian troops out – Disband NATO – Support all refugess – Worker’s [sic] unity across Europe – www.socialistdemocracy.org“. In between, two Lasaır Dhearg (web) stickers on pedestrian crossing boxes: “US military out of Shannon – stop imperialist war planes” and “‘The day has passed for patching up the capitalist system; it must go’ – James Connolly [from Labour, Nationality And Religion]”
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This is a mural of a painting of a mural of a mural. The original is the piece by Terry Bradley (web) and Friz (web) at the Titanic museum’s pub (see Dockers’ Rest), which was then reproduced in a different colour for the opening montage of the Kenneth Branagh film Belfast. The success of the film prompted the Department Of Justice to commission Bradley for a painting that could be turned into a mural and he reproduced the film version (BelTel). The mural that enlarges that painting was painted by DMC on Lanark Way, just above the security gates (Belfast Live).
“The dockers who feature in the painting are inspired by real characters and men Terry remembers walking home from the shipyard when he was a child. These hardworking men from Sailortown, Belfast, show a glimpse into the past of the shipyard pubs, where the men congregated after a hard day’s work.”
With support from R-City (web).
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Extramural Activity 