The Peace Walls in Belfast are a series of separation barriers erected during the Troubles, a period of conflict in Northern Ireland from the late 1960s to 1998. Constructed to separate predominantly Protestant and Catholic neighborhoods, these walls aimed to minimize inter-community violence and protect residents from attacks. Adorned with thousands of personal inscriptions from visitors, the Peace Walls stand as a poignant reminder of the city’s troubled past and a symbol of the ongoing journey toward peace and reconciliation.
The first peace walls were built in 1969, following widespread violence. Initially intended as temporary structures, they became more permanent as the conflict persisted. Their primary purpose was to provide physical separation between communities in violent conflict, part of a broader effort to reduce the frequency and intensity of sectarian violence.
These walls vary in length and height, with roughly 100 segments totaling approximately 21 miles (34 kilometers). Over time, they have become canvases for murals and messages of peace. Locals and tourists have written messages on the walls, ranging from calls for peace and unity to personal reflections and political statements.
During our visits to the Peace Walls with our knowledgeable guide, Billy Scott, we had the opportunity to read many of these messages and reflect on the profound sentiments expressed. Sometimes, they are simply markers of pilgrimage; other times, the writers delve deep to express philosophical views and yearnings. With a backdrop of large graffiti pieces cradling these heartfelt or whimsical writings, visitors can be profoundly moved by our imperfect nature and global struggle to understand ourselves better.
The “Hit the North” street art festival in Belfast is possibly Ireland’s largest street art event, established in 2013 by Seedhead Arts and the Community Arts Partnership.
This is our Part II compilation of works completed from the 2024 edition, an annual festival directed by Adam Turkington, who invites over 60 local and international artists to transform the city’s walls and create an urban gallery. The event features a live painting, workshops, and a fair amount of beer and culminates in a “paint jam” on Kent Street.
BSA was proud to be invited to Belfast to witness this grassroots organization at work, producing opportunities and fostering a genuine community spirit. The DJ, food trucks, and picnic tables in the streets create a festive atmosphere enjoyed by both artists and spectators. With open hearts and a wide variety of styles that engage an impressive range of art fans on the street, “Hit the North” is a vital creative force for Belfast and Northern Irish culture.
Dalal Mitwally is a multidisciplinary artist based in Amman, Jordan, and Rotterdam, Netherlands. Her work focuses on the interaction between art and public space, often addressing themes related to community and social issues.
RAZER is a graffiti artist from Derry City, Ireland, and has been active since 2006. As a member of the Choke On It (C.O.I) crew and Altered Mindz Crew (A.M.C), his works are found not only on the streets of Ireland but also in locations across Europe, the United States, and elsewhere. RAZER’s art emphasizes themes of unity, self-expression, and the transformative power of graffiti.
You’ve seen this guy many times in New York, so we felt like we were back home, even though we were on his turf for the first time. Solus is a prominent Dublin-based street artist. Using spray paint as his primary medium, he paints walls and canvases and creates sculptures across Europe, America, and Asia.
Shona Hardie is an artist from Edinburgh, Scotland, specializing in painting, illustration, murals, and spray paint. Her style combines acrylics and spray paint, focusing on portraiture and community themes, and she also works with pyrography and sculpture. Influenced by the Scottish festival scene and collaborations with businesses like The Scotch Malt Whisky Society and Innis & Gunn, her work often features dynamic and colorful compositions.
Danni Simpson is an Australian artist based in Belfast, Ireland, who specializes in commercial murals and illustrations. She is well known locally for her vibrant murals throughout Belfast and has worked extensively with school groups and communities.
Neequaye Dreph Dsane, known as Dreph, is a London-based visual artist renowned for his large-scale portrait murals and perhaps less known for the early graffiti roots that led him here. Born in Nottingham to Ghanaian parents, Dreph’s work celebrates the everyday heroes and heroines from African and Caribbean communities, highlighting their contributions to society. His “You Are Enough” series is well known on the streets of East London, featuring portraits of inspirational women. Dreph’s murals are characterized by their strong sense of community engagement, aiming to present narratives through his powerful visual storytelling.
Somewhere between Ireland and London, Qwynto brandishes his pop culture illustration style that brings character and gentle wit to large commercial projects, and small personal ones as well.
Sarah, the creator and illustrator behind Sweat, Tears and the Sea, is inspired by personal experiences and stories of resilience and connection with nature. Her illustrative style is full of positive affirmations that remind her of what is important.
Kilian, a graffiti artist based in Belfast, began his journey in 2009. Initially focused on traditional graffiti lettering for about a decade, he has since expanded his repertoire to include a variety of subjects. A version of this piece is also currently on Belfast’s Peace Wall.
Looks nice doesn’t it? Noys is a graffiti artist originally from Derrycity, and is renowned for his vibrant and dynamic works that blend traditional graffiti elements with modern artistic techniques. Active since 2009, Noys has developed a unique style and is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of street art and muralism.
Malarko is a street artist originally from Southeast London, known for his playful murals that are heavily influenced by low-brow art and early skate consumer culture. Malarko’s artistic practice extends to ceramics, where he creates pieces that merge popular culture with found objects, giving his work a unique and outspoken character.
Leo Boyd is a Belfast-based street artist and screen printer known for his playful and experimental approach to art. Born in Hastings and educated in Bristol, Boyd moved to Ireland where he has been involved in various artistic endeavors, including residencies and exhibitions locally and internationally. Portraying scenarios from day-glo pop culture to surveillance capitalism and the absurdities of modern life, Boyd is a founding member of Vault Artist Studios and contributes significantly to the Belfast art scene.
“Drum & Bass” – David J. McMillan is a Northern Irish illustrator and mural artist based in Bristol, England. His work is characterized by bold shapes, strong colors, and playful compositions featuring eccentric characters. McMillan draws inspiration from cities like Belfast and Berlin, incorporating quick, sketchbook-like mark-making into his pieces.
Elfo is a graffiti writer and social commentator whose work intentionally sidesteps traditional notions of style or technical lettering. This …Read More »
In her latest mural, Faring Purth delivers a powerful reflection on connection, continuity, and the complexity of evolving relationships—a true …Read More »
BROOKLYN STREET ART LOVES YOU MORE EVERY DAY
