Lost In Simulation

If we were to guess, humans probably spend more time in simulation – imagining the past, the future, other minds, other situations, with and without the aid of books, games, TV/movies, internet – than in experience, and the pandemic has not helped at all. It’s a weird world, represented by Leo Boyd (web | ig | Fb).

Donegall Street, Belfast.

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Copyright © 2021 Seosamh Mac Coılle
X08508 [X08507] Donegall St

Belfast Confetti

Work by emic (ig) – official title Ffallen [sic] – in Winecellar entry, inspired by Ciaran Carson’s Belfast Confetti, itself inspired by “a public notice from the corporation of Belfast (1678) which highlights a growing problem of Butchers and Tanners mastiff dogs attacking livestock, people, and even young children in the city” (Belfast Walking Tours). The wide shot (below) shows “3D printed floating orbs were created from recycled ocean plastics suspended over the central courtyard” (BCC).

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Copyright © 2021 Seosamh Mac Coılle
X08418 X08417

Keys Cut While You Wait

Here’s one from inside the modern-day Smithfield market, showing people browsing the shops in the old market, including Havelin’s key-cutting and Hall’s book shop – both have gone out of existence.

Two previous paintings: Smithfield Market

See also this street art celebrating the old market: Old Smithfield and Like A Souk In An Hibernian Casablanca

From the new market: My Old Toy Box | Their Only Colour Was Khaki

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Copyright © 2021 Seosamh Mac Coılle
X08348

We Have Not Gone Away You Know

Gerry Adams’s quip about the IRA after the ceasefire (in August, 1995) has become a slogan used for women’s struggle (International Women’s Day), British rule (They Haven’t Gone Away, You Know), coronavirus (It Hasn’t Gone Away, You Know) and now the “4000 families waiting” for social housing as lots in the city centre and north Belfast are turned by “private developers” into “student accommodation”.

“Preparing immigrant ships. No not this time. We need houses, no relocation. North Belfast families will stay in north Belfast. We will not be shipped out.”

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Copyright © 2021 Sabine Troendle (web | Fb)
X08339 Carrick Hill