Art, Protest and Peace: The Murals of the Bogside Artists

Abstract

Dengerink Chaplin’s essay “Art, Protest and Peace: The Murals of the Bogside Artists” focuses on twelve large non-sectarian murals in the Bogside area of Derry/Londonderry. Painted between 1994 and 2006, the murals depict key moments of “The Troubles” including the early Civil Rights marches, Bloody Sunday, the Hunger Strikes and Peace agreement. Dengerink Chaplin argues that, unlike many murals that increase sectarian divisions, these commemorative murals can provide important talking points for both sides to deal with traumatic memories. Only by facing—rather than erasing—the painful past can there be hope for true reconciliation and lasting peace.