Belfast has arrived. Art enthusiasts will be able to attend a free open-air gallery. It has been set up in the City Quays area, along Belfast harbour. The waterfront exhibition is a part of the city’s Photo Festival, and it is a striking sight for tourists and locals alike.
The photography features are available to enjoy until September 2022.
This free gallery installation is one of the various cultural events planned for 2022 to celebrate the 175th anniversary of Belfast Harbour Commissioners. A match made in heaven; Belfast Photo Festival and Belfast Harbour bring thought-provoking artistic images to the visual feast of the waterfront. And best of all, it’s completely free to attend for all. Whether it be on your way to work with coffee in hand, or after a harbourside dinner, these captivating artworks are simply there to be enjoyed.
Wildermann
The exhibition’s artists each have a three-month feature on the harbour – with French photographer Charles Fréger’s collection titled ‘Wildermann’. Fréger’s provocative series of images aim to explore the transition from beast to man; taking inspiration from the symbolism of this transformation in traditional pagan rituals. Focusing on themes of the seasonal cycle, fertility, life and death, the figures are mostly textural, ominous and beast-like. It is a unique and stirring series that everyone is sure to have an interesting interpretation of – it is wonderful that friends, neighbours and strangers can all share their commentary freely by the harbour.
Belfast: 3 Month Stint
During this designated three-month stint, each artist has five purpose-built display frameworks to dress with their images which are positioned in eye-catching spots along the waterfront. Dotted along walkways and under bridges of Belfast Harbour, the quirky positioning of these artworks add a sense of animation and personality. Far from the quiet, cold walls of major art galleries, the sparkle of the Belfast Harbour gives vibrancy to the pieces. There are no hushed voices here – excited gasps of children, lively chatter and comparing art critiques are all welcome.
Whether they are viewed in sunshine or rain, the free art gallery is sure to brighten your harbour walk. The project is a part of an initiative to increase accessibility to the arts for all locals and visitors of Belfast; with a total of 15 artworks to be enjoyed between Easter and September, 2022. Belfast Photo Festival and Belfast Harbour envision the project to bring excitement, creativity and more visitors to the City Quays precinct.
Accessible for all for 24 hours of the day, seven days a week – the welcoming nature of the exhibition truly mirrors the inviting nature that tourists experience with the Belfast locals. Both a destination for visitors and a lucky surprise for unsuspecting pedestrians, the striking photographs can be visited time and time again during the exhibited months; to be enjoyed, explored and rediscovered.
For the feature picture credit click here.
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