OUGD505 / Studio Brief 01 / Research / YOU ARE NOW ENTERING FREE DERRY

Free Derry Corner is a historical landmark in the Bogside neighbourhood of Derry, Northern Ireland.

'Free Derry was a self-declared autonomous nationalist area of Derry, Northern Ireland, that existed between 1969 and 1972.

The area, which included the Bogside and Creggan neighbourhoods, was secured by community activists for the first time on 5 January 1969 following an incursion into the Bogside by members of the Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC).'

The slogan was first painted in January 1969 by John Casey, since then, the mural has developed greatly from the original defacement.

The mural was professionally repainted in time for the visit of the British Home Secretary.

The mural has been a target for several defacements with the intent of communicating a social / political message in its damaging; the charred marks were created from the burning of poppy wreaths; laid to pay homage to fallen soldiers.
The aesthetic created from this defacement is strong and intriguing.

Instagram proved to be an efficient source of research;

Finding 9 variations of the mural that are hidden somewhere in the deep dark web.

This is an example of a social / political / ethical practice in design. 

The mural has transcended it's original context and is now seen as a symbol for larger topics such as human rights, justice, international conflict, remembrance and raising awareness. 

The appropriation and adaption of the mural to better relate with ever changing contemporary issues explores this efficient platform of communication, as seen above, placing the wall in pink to represent Gay Pride Week.