Visual Borders

By Matt Matassa

It's hard to tell the difference between a Catholic and a Protestant, a Unionist and a Nationalist. However, it is not hard to tell if you are entering one of their respective communities. Each side has established a strong visual identity through murals, monuments, curb paintings, sculptures and peace-walls. These images create "visual borders" that enforces this community's deep political and social divide. I can't help but wonder if the opportunity for creative expression has helped or hindered the ability to achieve a shared vision of peace.

West Bank, Londonderry-Derry, Northern Ireland - Protestant Community

NO ENTRY - "Londonderry West Bank Loyalist Still Under Siege No Surrender."

Londonderry-Derry, Northern Ireland - Bogside Catholic Community

Mural depicting realities of Bloody Sunday

Belfast, Northern Ireland, Mountain View Tavern - Protestant Community
Plaque reads, "This Poppy Cross is in memory of five men murdered at this spot by a no warning
by a sectarian IRA bomb attack on the Mountain View Tavern on 5th April 1975"

Londonderry-Derry, Northern Ireland - Bogside Catholic Community

FREE DERRY: The former entrance to the self-declared autonomous nationalist area. 

Londonderry-Derry, Northern Ireland - Bogside Catholic Community

Mural depicting the fighting that took place during Bloody Sunday.

Belfast, Northern Ireland - Catholic Community

Two school girls on their way home past a mural created by the Nationalists 

in support of the Palestinian Conflict.

Londonderry-Derry, Northern Ireland - Bogside Catholic Community
"Brits Out Now"

Belfast, Northern Ireland - Protestant Community
Peace Walls divide opposing Belfast communities in an attempt to protect the residents from
frequent attacks and create a sense of peace and safety.