Amber Parsons - Bogside Murals

Bogside Murals

amber! on Instagram: "6/10/23 — 📍Bogside Murals We had two tours today in Derry. The first was a tour along the Derry wall where we learned about some famous historic moments and where they took place. The second tour was of the 12 Bogside murals. We had an incredible opportunity to hear from two of the artists that worked on these murals and learned about their intentions behind the art. Feeling- Exhausted but educated. #jmuscomireland23"18 likes, 0 comments - amber! (@amberparsons.ireland) on Instagram: "6/10/23 — 📍Bogside Murals We had two tours today in Derry. The first was a tour along the D..."

The heart of the conflict in Northern Ireland resides in Derry/Londonderry, specifically on this street which holds the murals. The Bogside Murals represent the overarching theme of division which lingers on today. In the murals, it is clear to see the devastation and pain felt from both sides of 'the Troubles'. Everyone talks about the Catholics verus the Protestants, or Unionists verus Republicans. However, not many people get the opportunity to hear the true feelings and intentions of the actual artists themselves. I had the chance to hear from 2 of them during this tour of the Bogside Murals. Here are a few of my favorite quotes from the artists during the tour:

How can we get beyond the past when the past is right here?

The 'Troubles' is an understatement.

The artists created these murals as a way to remember the lives lost and the battles fought. They don't want to "forget" about the past, and through art they have let 'the Troubles' be remembered in Derry/Londonderry. Tensions still linger on in this area of Northern Ireland. From British flags hanging high to red/white/blue painted curbsides, the division was prominent along the streets. Many people that we talked with seemed to have moved past the conflict, while several others still felt strongly for one side or the other.