Photographed By William Murphy - Select Image To View Photographs

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I USED A SONY A7R MkIII

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The Contemporary Shift

By 2018, Belfast had firmly established itself as a global destination for urban art. The scene was defined by a mix of photorealism, surrealism, and traditional graffiti styles that ignored old boundaries. Instead of flags and paramilitaries, the walls featured giant hares, neon-lit geishas, and intricate portraits.

Popular Artists and Iconic Works in May 2018

Smug (Sam Bates): The Australian-born, Glasgow-based artist was a titan of the scene. His mural "The Chef" (or The Chef and the Lobster) on High Street remained one of the most photographed pieces in 2018. Known for his incredible freehand photorealism, Smug’s work brought a sense of playful, high-detail craftsmanship that felt entirely fresh to the city.

Dan Kitchener (DANK): In 2018, Kitchener’s atmospheric, "liquid" style was highly prominent. His mural "Blurry Eyes," depicting a rain-slicked Japanese street scene, utilised vibrant neon colours that transformed Talbot Street. His work often focused on light and movement, a far cry from the static, historical imagery of previous decades.

Annatomix: A standout in early 2018 was her mural "The Golden Hares of Rathlin Island." Her signature style—geometric, polygonal animals—was inspired by her background in sound engineering. This piece, located in the Cathedral Quarter, celebrated local wildlife through a modern, almost crystalline lens.

Friz (Marian Noone): A local favourite, Friz’s work in 2018 frequently focused on the female form and Celtic mythology, blended with a contemporary illustrative style. Her pieces often explored identity and the natural world, such as her contributions to the Hit the North festival hoardings.

EMIC (Eoin McGinn): Another local heavyweight, EMIC’s work was characterized by a blend of fine art and street art. In 2018, he was gaining significant traction for his ability to mix photorealistic portraits with abstract, glitch-like textures, often commenting on the human condition or the environment.

The Atmosphere of the Scene The energy in May 2018 was one of "renewal." Artists were using the city as a canvas to prove that Belfast was more than its history. This was the "radical act of painting a pretty picture"—where the absence of a political message was, in itself, a bold statement of peace and progression.

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