#081 - EGS
#081 - EGS
Destination: Derry, Ireland
Date: 24 February - 1 March, 2022
About EGS
As one of the most internationally recognised graffiti artists from Europe, EGS has a been leaving a trail ever since he started writing the three letters E, G and S on walls and trains all throughout Europe and later the rest world, since the late 80’s. At the heart of his work is his eagerness for travel, and to see beyond the geographical and social borders of one’s own country or community. This reoccurring theme is portrayed in a body of work that spans from classic graffiti, to contemporary painting on paper and canvas to traditional glass blowing.
You can find more work of EGS on his website: www.egshelsinki.com
Destination: Derry, Northern Ireland
Situated in the north west of Northern Ireland, close to the border to Ireland lies Londonderry, also known as Derry. The only remaining walled off city of Northern Ireland, with its history dating back to the 17th-century. Nowadays largely known as a flourishing artistic and cultural hub, the city carries its history along with it, from the Siege of Derry to Bloody Sunday.
Details about the print
Dimensions: ± 50 x 70 cm
Medium: three colours
Edition: edition of 50, signed and numbered by the artist
A little word by EGS
"For me the best way to travel is to be open minded, visit side alleys instead of avenues and only expect the unexpected. Therefor I did not want expect anything really for my trip to Ireland. During my days on the road I was really taken by the friendliness of the people I met. I felt warmly welcome where ever I went. The train ride from Belfast to Derry is one of the most beautiful in the world, and it gave me ample time to enjoy the astonishing nature of Northern Ireland. I had read a lot about The Troubles before my trip. In Derry I was happy to see that there is a new generation, that has grown up since The Good Friday Agreement, who were positive and forward looking.
My trip started on the same morning that Russia started invaded Ukraine, which left me shocked. Here I am about to travel to Derry to see how people have been laying their arms down for peace and now pretty close to my home country a new nightmare was starting. In Derry, what once seemed impossible is the reality of today. There is peace. Inspired by my experiences on the trip, and the current events at the start of my trip, I wanted to work with two things that struck me most: the astonishing landscape around Derry and the notion of peace.”
Travel Diary
Friday, February 25, 2022
The train ride from Dublin to Belfast was very beautiful. I spent the first day in Belfast walking around the city. I sat in some pubs and worked on my sketchbook. I got to to paint some graffiti as, which is always great when travelling. Also met local friendlies and ate great fish and chips.
Sunday, February 27, 2022
Belfast is an amazing city, with a beautiful character. I met a lot of friendly people there. I spent a lot of my time walking around the city and visiting different neighbourhoods. Graffiti has always played a big part in my travels so I was happy to paint in different places around the city including the Peace Wall. Plus, I got to eat fresh oysters.
Monday, February 28, 2022
The train ride from Belfast to Derry is one of the most beautiful in the world. Derry is a very friendly and interesting city. Its nature and surroundings are simply breathtaking. The history of the city has a lot of links to themes that I try to explore in my art, so I am glad to be here.
