Watch Art of Conflict

Art of Conflict is a documentary film that delves into the history of Northern Ireland’s Troubles, as told through the eyes of some of the region’s most well-known street artists. Directed by Valentina Castello, the film explores the use of street art as a form of political activism during a period of intense violence and political unrest.

The film begins by introducing the viewer to the political and social context of the Troubles - a period of intense sectarian violence in Northern Ireland that lasted from the late 1960s to the Good Friday Agreement in 1998. Through interviews with former members of paramilitary groups, politicians, and community organizers, we begin to understand the complex web of political and social divisions that underpinned the conflict.

Against this backdrop, Art of Conflict introduces us to four street artists who used their work to comment on the Troubles and to promote a message of peace and reconciliation. The first of these artists is Danny Devenny, a muralist who grew up in a working-class neighborhood of Belfast. We follow Devenny as he works on a large-scale mural in one of the city’s most divided neighborhoods - a work that represents a collaboration between Catholic and Protestant artists.

The film also profiles David Ervine, a former member of the paramilitary Ulster Volunteer Force who later became a politician and advocate for peace. Ervine became involved in street art in the early 1990s and worked with a group called "Beyond the Pale" to create murals that promoted dialogue between Catholics and Protestants.

Another artist featured in Art of Conflict is the well-known street artist Maser, who has gained international recognition for his colorful, geometric murals. Maser began his career in Dublin but has since worked all over the world, creating work that promotes his message of peace and understanding.

The fourth artist profiled in the film is Jim Fitzpatrick, a well-known graphic artist who designed the iconic image of Che Guevara. Fitzpatrick began working on Irish political posters in the 1970s and has since become known for his striking images of Irish rebel leaders and cultural figures.

Throughout the film, we see the artists at work and learn about the different techniques they use to create their pieces. We also hear from community members who have been impacted by the artists’ work, as well as from critics who question the appropriateness of using street art to address such weighty political issues.

One of the key themes in Art of Conflict is the idea of collaboration. We see street artists working alongside former paramilitaries, community activists, and politicians to create murals that promote a message of peace and reconciliation. These collaborations sometimes result in tensions and disagreements, but ultimately the artists are united in their belief that art can be a powerful tool for social change.

The film also explores the role of street art in post-conflict society. After years of violence and deep political divisions, Northern Ireland is still struggling to come to terms with its past. Street art has become one way that communities can express their hopes for the future and pay tribute to those who have been lost.

Overall, Art of Conflict is a powerful and moving documentary that shines a light on both the tragedy and the resilience of the people of Northern Ireland. Through the stories of these four artists, we see how creativity and collaboration can be used to promote healing and understanding, even in the most divided of societies.