In a lively panel session chaired by Professor Jolyon Mitchell, Bogside mural artists Tom Kelly and Kevin Hasson, exhibition curator Dr Adrienne Dengerink Chaplin, former Director of Mediation Northern Ireland Brendan McAllister and Law Professor Christine Bell explored the question: can art help people to process a painful and violent past? Image The discussion marked the launch of Art, Conflict and Remembering: the murals of the Bogside Artists, an exhibition which tells the story of the Troubles in Northern Ireland through 12 large-scale murals from The People’s Gallery in Derry/Londonderry. Marking the 50th anniversary of key moments in Northern Ireland’s recent history, the murals draw attention to the non-sectarian Civil Rights movement in the late 1960s and the effects of the evolving conflict on the lives of ordinary people. Professor Mitchell says, "Painful and difficult memories are portrayed and preserved through these historic murals. The panel explored how the murals might help people to process their painful past and make the difficult journey towards peaceful futures, reflecting on the complex role of the Arts in building a just peace." The event was held in Rainy Hall, before an invited audience of local and international visitors. Image The Rioter mural Exhibition times 21 – 26 August (10am – 10pm) and 27 August – 3 September (11am – 5pm). Free of charge. Sponsors The exhibition is hosted by the Centre for Theology and Public Issues, and co-sponsored by the Global Justice Academy (University of Edinburgh) with assistance from the Beyond Borders Festival, and the generous support of the Binks Trust. Links CTPI Global Justice Academy Beyond Borders Festival This article was published on 2024-03-19
