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Back to index of Nerve 13 - Winter 2008
Bridging
the Connections for Unity
By Maia Vangen
The Liverpool Irish Mural, on the 'gable end' of The 'New' Picket, is the second to be commissioned from two of Belfast's most celebrated artists, Danny Devenney (a Republican) and Mark Ervine (a Loyalist) and is a bold reminder that unity can be achieved if only we talked to each other instead of fighting. Local artists helped them paint the mural which reflects the great ties between the Liverpool and Irish communities. What they have achieved is an inspiring imagery of social awareness, solidarity and unity and created something which will melt into and reflect the culture of the city. The whole length of The Picket is now adorned by this historical and colourful mural portraying Liverpool life, industry, heritage, celtic art along with some famous figures with Liverpool and Irish connections, both past and present including James Larkin, Elvis Costello and Kitty Wilkinson.
When the artists were asked what does a mural mean? Mark Ervine said "a mural is for who we are, where we came from... it is for the people...and it is to teach history." Danny Devenney said "to show that we are all different...we are all equal."
I hope that many people will be able to see the mural along with the first one they painted depicting John Lennon and The Beatles. You can't see the Irish mural from the main roads along the southern gateway to the city, so this means that you have to explore the Independent Arts Quarter and put even more positive energy back into an area which has been without the city's financial support for a little while too long.
The murals have been nominated for the Art08 award Inside, Outside and Online - celebrating where great art has found its way into people's lives in new and exciting ways.
Gregory Brennan and Peter Morrison of the Liverpool Mural Project initiated the whole scheme and more information can be found at theliverpoolmuralproject.blogspot.com
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