Northern Ireland

New art installation at Ulster Museum

A street art installation, entitled Counterpart, has been revealed at Ulster Museum. Picture by Kelvin Boyes/Press Eye
A street art installation, entitled Counterpart, has been revealed at Ulster Museum. Picture by Kelvin Boyes/Press Eye A street art installation, entitled Counterpart, has been revealed at Ulster Museum. Picture by Kelvin Boyes/Press Eye

VARIOUS viewpoints of life in Northern Ireland are reflected in a new art installation on the exterior of one of Belfast most iconic buildings.

The 25-metre art installation by Joe Caslin has appeared on the outside of the Ulster Museum.

The artwork, entitled Counterpart, features a dragging arm to depict how some people in the north feel that the community they are born in can define their lives.

The installation, which uses monochrome pencil sketch technique, also features a clenched fist to represent both defiance and a desire for change, whilst two Roseate Tern birds - a rare and endangered species that migrates to Northern Ireland every year - reflect a sense of freedom, resilience, and a commitment to this place.

The birds are purposefully different to acknowledge that the differing views of people across the north are welcomed.

Members of the public had the opportunity to work alongside Mr Caslin as part of the Making the Future programme to explore the world of street art and examine how political division is represented.

The materials used to create 'Counterpart' are biodegradable and will wash away with rainfall.

Mr Caslin said: "The values of the project appeal to my values as the goal here is to create debate and conversation.

"It is important that social issues are not pushed to the periphery, but as my works are biodegradable, they are only accessible for a limited time, so having the support of recognised landmarks to amplify them is really important. "