Belfast

Take These Seeds

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A Ukrainian woman in Heniches’k (just north of Crimea) (tw | with subtitles) became famous for berating an invading Russian soldier with the words “Take these seeds and put them in your pockets so at least sunflowers will grow here when you all die here.” Ukraine is the world’s largest producer of sunflower oil (WP) and since the Russian invasion began on February 24th, prices have increased – so far – by about 70% (Money Control), sending countries (especially India – Reuters | Bloomberg) and companies around the globe scrambling for alternatives, such as the replacement of sunflower oil by rapeseed oil in the making of crisps in Ireland (The Journal). The sunflower has become a symbol of solidarity with Ukraine, along with the Ukrainian flag. This giant sunflower was painted by emic (web | tw | ig) in Harrow Street.

Update: added to the side wall “Ar scáth a chéıle a mhaıreann na daoıne”, here translated as “People live in each other’s shadows.” See the images in the Paddy Duffy collection.

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One Boy, One Voice

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“North Belfast stands with Fiona [Donohoe]”. This is a shrine to Noah Donohoe and rallying post in the campaign for answers as to how he was found dead in a storm drain near Northwood Road six days after going missing.

The hashtags include #RememberMyNoah and #NoToPII (see No More PSNI Cover Ups).

Waterworks, north Belfast.

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Sailortown Dockers

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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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You’re Never Alone

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“Be smart, don’t start” – taking drugs, that is. This is a recent mural on the Falls Road, Belfast, with nine panels that discourage youth from taking drugs, alternately by reminding them of their dangers (including death – “Drugs can thrill but they also kill.” “I’m dying to meet you.” “If you dance with the devil you remain in hell.” “Don’t let drugs ruin something beautiful.” “Don’t get trapped by drugs.”) and providing support in persevering through dark times (“There is always light beyond the darkness.”
“We all have a choice in life.” “Hugs not drugs.” “Always remember you’re never alone.” “Try to be leader not a follower.”)

With support from Belfast City Council, Divis Youth Project, Greater Falls Neighbourhood Partnership, Falls Partnership Initiative (Falls Residents).

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Dee St 2nd Batt

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Perhaps because of the Covid pandemic, this mural of UDA volunteers on parade reflected in the sunglasses of one of their comrades took months to complete (it was started in late 2020 and was still unfinished last summer). It replaces the previous “UFF Formed 1973” mural – see Northern Island.

The photograph reproduced is from the 1974 Ulster Workers’ Strike; it appeared on the cover of Don Anderson’s Fourteen May Days (CAIN).

Avoniel Road, east Belfast

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Key Workers

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This is the Keyworkers mural in front of the Shaftesbury recreation centre (web), created in August 2020 (Fb), in the first few months of the Coronavirus pandemic. A child wearing a mask is watering the rainbow of drivers, NHS, nurses, doctors, social care, community workers, volunteers, and shop workers that arches over the shops and buildings on the Ormeau Road along the Lagan and in front of the City hospital and City Hall.

Also on the rec centre: In The Paint

Balfour Avenue, Belfast

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Ordinary People

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This is an update to End The Sanctions! We’re Freezing, which has now been changed to “Sanctions only hurt ordinary people”, perhaps including the “ordinary people” of Russia alongside those of the New Lodge.

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Hidden Door With Grass

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That’s the official title of this piece by DECOY (ig) in Bethany Street, Ballyhackamore, though the only doors seem to be on the electrical boxes!

With support from Seedhead Arts (web | ig).

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Remember The Hunger Strikers

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Here are two IRSP pieces commemorating the 40th anniversary of the 1981 hunger strike. The first, above and immediately below, is from Ard Eoın/Ardoyne (Béal Feırste/Belfast) with colour (or at least, colour-ised) portraits of the ten who died on either side of an image from Keven Lynch’s funeral cortège. It is the same as the board seen on the lower Falls in For A Socialist Republic. At the bottom is a poster from Strabane calling people to gather in remembrance in Derry.

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Deflowered

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“Jamie Dornan lost his virginity here”. Perhaps while a student at Methody? Dornan is originally from Holywood (WP). The painter of the orange lily is unknown.

Exchange Place, Belfast city centre. Next to RogueOner’s Minotaur.

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