Forgotten Fishermen

Artist — Decoy

Before reading Ian’s book, I thought that the ocean was a much more law abiding place than it is. Since reading the book and doing my own research on what sort of atrocities happen at sea, I have become much more aware of the political issues involved and their effect on people. Exposure to firsthand accounts of what happens at sea has been eye-opening. I will be making a bigger effort to support refugee’s rights now and into the future in view of this modern dilemma.

When Ian contacted me, I was instantly drawn to his reporting and the nature of his mission. Although I’ve been involved in many political artworks in Ireland over the years, usually I try to not make too many political statements with my art. At the same time, I feel that, as an artist, it is my duty to respond to circumstances to which I am opposed. I feel compelled to address these issues in my artwork.

The act of painting an image on a wall is slightly rebellious so people are instantly curious to learn more. Since the mural is not confined to the gallery setting, muralists have the ability to reach a wider audience. Adding social media and phone cameras to the equation, the paintings will likely be shared across various platforms. As a result, it’s possible that this art will not only impact the local community, but will also touch a nerve in locations around the world.