Whilst recently walking in and around Belfasts Cathedral Quarter area, I stumbled across the “hit the north” Festival. The biggest street art festival in Belfast. Over 60 artists from across the UK, Ireland and internationally were invited to display their skills on a series an hoardings and walls throughout this area
The location and central to the festival was the famous Sunflower pub. The only pub left in Belfast with the steel cages from the “Troubles” still in place. A cracking pub by the way.
The quality of art was amazing as was the colour and it was great to enguage with the artists and ask about their work, before opening and closing my shutter I might add. Alongside the Irish blue skies that day, this was indeed a cracking find for me and my camera. Consequently I thought it was only right for me to consume some alcohol based beverages that day, responsible of course, whilst viewing this collection of incredible street art
There was one piece of art that I must say did stand out for me that day and it was the one that had a very current and sombering connection to it. That was the art titled “Know their names”. The artist which designed this name escapes me but he wrote down 1,000 children’s names who have been killed by the Israeli attacks in Gaza. Everyone who view had the same opinion as me. Shocking….
Because I didn’t expect to find the festival and I was in Belfast for another reason, I came ill equipped with film. One roll would you believe! So, I searched for 35mm film locally, grabbed some more and returned to shoot some more content. I’d love to post all of the shots I took that day but I think the gallery below sums up the content and experience for me. Hope you think so too! RD
PS: I reckon I know where the “hit the north” title came from. Manchesters finest, The Fall
