The Republican Network For Unity (RNU) affirm their solidarity with Palestine over the recent deaths during the March Of Return (see also His Land, His Legs, His Life) with a new mural showing an Israeli hand smothering a Palestinian face. Here is the RNU’s statement on the recent deaths in Gaza. “RNU in west Belfast” and “End internment” are from the ‘Free Tony Taylor’ mural that this board covers over.
Here are two paste-ups in Belfast city centre by FGB (Francois Got Buffed | web | Fb). One is Dangerous Dave enjoying a rollie, one asks people to expand their culinary horizons. For the origin of the artist’s name, and more info, see Belfast Beyond’s interview with FGB from last year.
Work continues at the site opposite The Sunflower (Union Street and Kent Street). Nine murals (at least) were lost when the building was torn down but the substantial hoarding is providing artists with a temporary canvas. Above are sunflowers by Conor McClure (web | Fb – see previously More Wolf Than Woman | Spring Wings); below are pieces by TMN crew members – MASH and “Skynet“.
In the Táın, Queen Medb invades Ulster (opposed single-handedly by Cú Chulaınn) to take the Brown Bull (Donn Cuaılnge) in order that her wealth matches that of her husband, Aılıll, who has a prize bull called Fınnbhennach (the White-Horned). When she returns with the bull, the two bulls fight and kill each other. (So, … mission accomplished?)
The mosaic shown above is a detail from Desmond Kinney’s 1974 mosaic mural off Nassau Street in Dublin. For more images and explanation, see Richard Marsh.
Two in Exchange Place in Belfast city centre: the bird is in the rib cage, the heart is in the bird cage. Artist unknown – please comment/get in touch if you know it!
Here’s a recent paste-up from print-maker Leo Boyd (web) combining two of his typical themes: retro pulp magazines and what he calls “tech heads” and “tele heads”. For more schlock-horror, see When Urban Love Goes Wrong. For some tele heads, see Are You A Robot? | She Is My Spy. His latest project is Welcome To The Simulation (tumblr).
In case you feel bad about indulging yourself at Curated Kitchen (web), head across the street to St Anne’s cathedral in Donegall Street in downtown Belfast.
“In loving memory of Taughmonagh residents Brian McMillan, Alan ‘Rocky’ Meehan, Dennis Berrty (Sgt UDA), Thomas Vance (2 Para), Thomas Douglas. Murdered by cowards during the conflict in Northern Ireland. Those we love don’t go away, they walk beside us every day.”
McMillan and Meehan were civilians shot along with TA staff sergeant (and English Catholic) Joseph Flemming on July 9th, 1972.
Dennis Berry was shot by the UVF after leaving the UDA social club in Taughmonagh. According to Lost lives, “Reliable loyalist sources said the shooting was the result of a personal row rather than having any political or organisational basis.” (p. 441)
Thomas Vance died in the IRA’s 1979 ambush of the British Army at Narrow Water Castle, near Warrenpoint (WP), on the same day that Louis Mounbatten was killed. (Republican mural in the Peter Moloney Collection.)
Thomas Douglas was shot while walking along the street. His family denied he was a leading loyalist and simply a member of the Orange Order (CAIN | Fb).
This plaque has been added to the UDA memorial garden in Taughmonagh (at the corner of Finbank Gardens & Malfin Drive).
The International Wall on Divis Street draws coach-loads of tourists every day (“tens of thousands” according to Sinn Féin’s Fra McCann). A new IRSP board affixed to the top of the ‘magic lantern’ mural (see Spreading The Word) warns visitors to take precautions. “Community notice: thieves are operating in this area. Please make sure your valuables are secure and out of sight. Respect our community and visitors. Cease this activity!” Here are articles about the Divis Hoods Liberation Army (DHLA) from 2017 and 2016.