In addition to half a dozen murals, including one of Medjugorje (original | repaint), Berwick Road/Paráıd An Ardghleanna in Ardoyne contains a set of ‘Stations Of The Cross’, the 14 steps recounting Jesus Of Nazareth’s last day. Other stations can be seen in U’ll Do Nottin | Changing The Stations.
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This graffiti is at the park end of Cliftonville Avenue.
An earlier piece of graffiti, “DHLA”, has stood for “Divis Hoods Liberation Army” but we’re a long way from Divis.
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“Nazi scum” and “Antifa zone 161” on Berwick Avenue in Ardoyne, provoked by a proposed Britain First rally in December, 2017 (Belfast Live). The Britain First leaders who were arrested for speeches at an August rally are due to go on trial in April (BelTel). Deputy leader Jayda Fransen was also arrested in December for comments made in a video shot at the Cupar Way “peace” line (Telegraph).
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Action Against Drugs (AAD) is a republican paramilitary organisation (the “son of DAAD”, says The Guardian) that killed two people in 2017 that it accused of dealing drugs and ordered three others to leave Ireland (Irish News | Republican News). Allegations of corruption have been made against similar organisations (Belfast Media).
Nearby: A war of words over drug dealing: U’ll Do Nottin!
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Giant lettering by RACE (RASER) and AKEN from TMN crew (The Most Nasty) above the writing on the Cupar Way “peace” line.
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This bleak and wintry scene, with snow about to fall, is of the garages between Shaws Road and Corrib Avenue. The words of Bob Marley’s Redemption Song echo Epictetus’s doctrine: “Free yourself from mental slavery – none but ourselves can free our minds”.
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There is either no artwork or no respect on the Cupar Way “peace” line, as tourists sign their names and leave messages (some thought patronising: see Fuck You & Your Patronising Slogans) on the wall without regard to whatever they’re writing over. The Face (on the right), by Kevin Killen (web | NVTv) and participants in a local training programme (Irish Revolution), is composed of cogs and other mechanical pieces, intending to represent the importance of industry in Shankill (and Belfast) life.
Related: A Dialogue On The Nature Of Art | Fuck Art | An Essay On The Necessity Of Art.
See also: State Art Vs Graffiti On The West Belfast “Peace” Line.
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Artist Kevin Killen gave voice to the programme: “The Face relates to the themes of Belfast industries. Working with the young adults in Impact Training, we designed and fabricated the artwork. Being a part of the project was rewarding and insightful to everyone involved. As the group was a part of the process from start to finish they have developed ownership of the artwork, which is an important benefit. I hope that the artwork gives pride to all the participants involved in the project.” (Irish Revolution)
Two pieces of UDA on the shop shutters on Sandy Row. Above, “S[andy]/Row – Quis Separabit” (who will separate us?) and “UDA”. See also: Wee Ruby’s from 2013.
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Loyalist graffiti in Boyne Court (Sandy Row): a (reverse) swastika but instead of Jews, the edict is to “KAT [Kill All Taigs]”, drawing inspiration from William’s victory at the Boyne in 1690.
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IRA volunteer and Sınn Féın politician Martin McGuinness died in March 2017 from amyloidosis (Guardian obituary). See also: Your A Scumbag, Martin McGuinness and The Bogside Butcher.
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Seosamh Mac Coille Collection 