A rich political history, what Belfast was once ‘famed’ for, the blatant displays of a divided community, lining the streets and striking fear into not only residents but the world – hindering the tourism industry. That art, those viewpoints, the emotion and anger fuelled political murals are known worldwide and attract hundreds of thousands every year.
Northern Ireland has found the rope – peace – and communities beginning to bond is seeing Belfast becoming famous for its new art – the tourism industry is flourishing. As a result of peace and growth, the streets are now a canvas, attracting artists and fans alike from across the globe.
Back in the day, I would have said to you that you would most likely be wandering the streets aimlessly, trying to your luck at finding all of the wonderful creations that hide in the winding cobbled, history soaked streets of Belfast, but some of them are like finding a needle in a haystack – enter technology.
No longer are you scouring the hay in desperate pursuit of catching a glimpse of the famed pieces with 45 minutes until your bus departs from The Europa bus station, all thanks to Street Art Cities, a community driven app. With 600 locations across the globe, our wee Belfast has over 150 different artworks documented, and while you’re wandering around via the app you can see the information about the artists.
The added bonus’s you ask? The app tells you information about each of the pieces and you can save your favourites. My favourite bonus on the street art city adventure though is the fact that a few absolute art gem’s in Belfast can only be enjoyed in our famous bar’s beer gardens – like The Harp Bar – and it’d be rude not to stop for a pint while you were there.
‘LOBSTER POT’
- SAM BATES: Australian Artist, aka SMUG
Smug is without a doubt one of the world’s most accomplished graffiti painters – he’s even famed for his facial hair. Belfast is so very fortunate to have such a stunning piece of art grace the streets, the street art scene in Belfast is unfolding rapidly now, this was one of the first pieces and will stand the test of time.
‘THE GOLDEN HARES OF RATHLIN ISLAND’
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ANNATOMIX (2018)
Best renowned for her large-scale murals, unusual polygonal animals, and geometric patterns, this mural from Annatomix, who was formerly a sound engineer – is a tribute to them. The Irish hare is the sole species of lagomorph unique to Ireland and one of Europe’s rarest mammals. They’re thought to have lived there since before the last ice age, but their numbers have been steadily declining in recent years. Northern Ireland has some of the greatest colonies of these hares in history.
‘DAVID BOWIE TRIBUTE’
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DEAN KANE; AKA VISUAL WASTE
A striking memorial to tribute the late David Bowie
Stop in at the Hudson bar while you are looking at this piece as it lies directly across from it. Visual Waste (real name Dean Kane) is a part of the scene that has been pushing street art past the usual political themes that have traditionally been found in Belfast murals.
‘YOU CAN GO ANYWHERE’
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DAN KITCHENER (2018)
Black taxis drive the streets of Belfast, working as a bus in certain areas and sharing the fare. There was an iconic black taxi in Belfast, that served the Shankill area for 50 years. It is represented here in this awe-inducing display of colour in Japanese back street.
The piece was done to show that with hard work and determination, you can go anywhere in the world.
POLITCAL MURALS
In an Orwellian revision of Irish history, IRA hunger-strikers and convicted killers have also been mixed in appearing alongside world leaders and peace campaigners on the International Wall.
Loyalist murals scatter the city, this one is nestled in the Shankill Road community. The mural is of two boys, showcasing the devastation and impact caused by the IRA bombing in the summer of ‘69. Homes were destroyed, this shows the boys standing in front of their home.
‘SON OF PROTAGORAS’
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MTO (2014)
The famed North Festival saw the birth of this piece, a statement about the Northern Ireland conflict blatantly displayed.
In 84BC, Protagoras wrote, “As to the Gods, I have no methods of knowing either that they exist or that they do not exist, or if they do.”
MTO was astonished to hear that we create barriers to divide our communities and educate our children separately when he arrived in Belfast, and this piece is a direct response to seeing religion as the source of our issues. The boy discovers the injured dove, which has been murdered by religion’s twin arrows, and looks angrily towards Belfast Cathedral, which is just across the road.
‘WELCOME TO BELFAST’
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DANI SIMPSON (2019)
This Australian born artist is bringing colour, light and energy to the streets of Belfast. Dani’s style is an urban fusion, detailed floral patterns with wildlife clashes, factoring in architecture and art deco. Welcome to Belfast – home of culture and talent.
Belfast is a city of much history, turbulent in nature for the most part, but as the sun sets on that era, new seeds are being planted – art – bringing vibrancy to the once war ridden streets, hope to the next generation and whilst they bring a sense of happiness and pride to the locals, I believe they are a symbol to the rest of the world of our city born again – bright, full of promise, with a representation of the talent and beauty Belfast holds and the promise of a bright future.
Our apartments are scattered across the city and are works of art in themselves, reflecting the culture of Belfast, making you feel at home. Come to our city, book into your home and enjoy the cultural ride that Belfast promises to everyone who sets foot here.