graffiti/writing

The Shipping Forecast

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The long-term extent of disruption to goods entering Northern Ireland, caused by Brexit, remains unclear: some fresh veg and cheeses are missing from supermarkets and Amazon has stopped shipping alcohol. The problem of businesses no longer shipping at all seems to be more troublesome than delays in goods shipped. DUP leader Arlene Foster caused confusion and satirical comment on twitter yesterday for her remarks that nationalists were suffering delayed parcels along with unionists (Irish Times), though graffiti such as is shown here – calling for the scrapping of the “Northern Ireland Protocol” – has so far been painted only in PUL areas.

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X07953 Copyright © 2021 Seosamh Mac Coılle
X07960 Copyright © 2021 Sabine Troendle (web | Fb)
Lowwood Pk/Shore Road

Alter Ego

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“PSNI Out” is the latest message on Slıabh Dubh from Gael Force Art, mounted in response to what it sees as disparate treatment of nationalists on the one hand (intruding, ostensibly on Covid-related grounds, interfering with a flower-laying ceremony in commemoration of the attack on the Sean Graham bookies shop on the Ormeau Road (Feb 5th, 1992) and arresting one of the victims, Mark Sykes (RTÉ)) and unionists on the other (PSNI monitoring but not confronting a UVF show of strength in Pitt Park (iTV)).

Michelle O’Neill called the Ormeau incident “a watershed moment for public confidence in policing” (Irish News); one officer has been suspended. The writing on the mountain is seen here over the Captain America panel of the wall of superheroes, enhanced versions of their human alter egos: Steve Rogers, Bruce Banner, Clark Kent, etc.

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Copyright © 2021 Seosamh Mac Coılle
X07949 [X07950] [X07951]

No Irish Sea Border

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“No Irish Sea border” – graffiti at either end of Stroud Street, perhaps in different hands. The one above is over a very faint “PSNIRA out”, along with a “Smash Sinn Fein IRA”.

Previously: Arlene Must Go

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Copyright © 2021 Seosamh Mac Coılle
X07846 X07848 X07890

Arlene Must Go

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Brexit has happened and people, particularly hauliers and smaller retailers, are having trouble adjusting to the fact that Northern Ireland remains within the EU customs union and single market for goods, which means additional paperwork for goods moving between NI and Britain (BBC | Belfast Live). The current disruptions will likely be overcome in due course but the presence of a border is symbolically powerful. This east Belfast graffitist is unhappy with the outcome: “No Irish sea border – [DUP leader] Arlene [Foster] must go.” George Osborne, former UK chancellor and now editor at the London Evening Standard, called the DUP’s decision to reject Theresa May’s deal “stupid” (BelTel) and the FT called the DUP nationalism’s “secret weapon” (ft.com). The Tele wonders if Gavin Robinson is angling for a crack at the leadership (BelTel).

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Copyright © 2021 Sabine Troendle (web | Fb)
X07836 Belmont Rd

Irexit

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When it was launched in September 2018 (Irish Times), the Irish Freedom Party (web | tw) found some support in at least one north Belfast stencilist. But murals and graffiti that don’t meet with universal approval draw public replies: “Irexit … is a shite ideology perpetuated by fascists. My 32 counties doesn’t do racism. No pasaran!”

Some previous debates: Multiculturalism Is Genocide | We Won’t Have Carson | A Dialogue On The Nature Of Art

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Copyright © 2018 Seosamh Mac Coılle
X07827 X05995 Limestone Road, Belfast.

Road Sign

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Speed limits in Northern Ireland are set by the Department Of Infrastructure/An Roinn Bonneagair after consideration of all relevant factors. The residents of Tern Street, Belfast, have instead used a decades-old mode of public communication – wall painting – to ask motorists to slow down around the sharp turn just off Dee Street.

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Copyright © 2020 Seosamh Mac Coılle
X07763

Noah?

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The fourth review of evidence in the case of Noah Donohoe, in preparation for a later coroner’s inquest, is scheduled to take place on January 18th (Belfast Live). Friends, family, and concerned members of the public are continuing their campaign for answers, using the hashtag #NoahsArmy on Twitter. The sign shown above is on the top floor of Teach Mhéabh (Maeve House) in the New Lodge.

Previous posts about Noah’s death.

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Copyright © 2021 Seosamh Mac Coılle
X07801 [X07800] X07799

Thick As Thieves

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Writing by Real Gary Rowe (web | ig) for Thick As Thieves “streetwear and graff supplies” in Kent Street for HTN2020.

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Copyright © 2020 Seosamh Mac Coılle
X07624

Gangbangers Vs. The Auto Crime Team

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“Fuck the auto-crime team” say the hoods of the New Lodge Road. In October, a car stolen from the Whitewell was recovered (Fb), and in January an ACT car was rammed by a car thief in Sandy Row (Belfast Live).

The graffiti are on Regent Street, Belfast.

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Copyright © 2020 Seosamh Mac Coılle
[X07462] X07464 X07463

Sick Of Covid

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A six-week lockdown beginning on December 26th was approved last night by the executive, which said the current situation required an “urgent intervention” (BBC). The lockdowns are difficult for everyone, not just financially but psychologically. (See previously: Home Is Where The Hurt Is.) This Broadway graffiti suggests that the lockdowns are promoting suicides, though there do not appear to be data yet suggesting an increase in suicide during the pandemic. ‘Action 61’ appears to be a fringe protest group.

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Copyright © 2020 Seosamh Mac Coılle
X07761 X07762