Belfast has gained a reputation for its colourful street art scene with many talented artists helping to transform the city's walls with murals
Now two of those murals etched on walls in Belfast have been nominated for an award recognising the world's best street art.
After 12 months of sharing 100 monthly murals, Street Art Cities, a platform that promotes street art, has just released its ultimate "best of 2022" shortlist of nominated artworks in 92 cities in 30 countries.
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Kitsune Jolene's work 'When you weren't looking' for last year's Hit the North festival and local legend Emic's 'Sunflower for Ukraine' mural have made the global selection.
Kitsune grew up in the Belgian city of Lokeren, but has since left her mark on many other cities in recent years including in Portugal, Dubai and Germany.
Last year she created 'When you weren't looking' in her typical neon pink style on Queen Street in Belfast city centre.
Also nominated is a mural by a Belfast street artist in tribute to displaced Ukrainians. Emic, aka Eoin McGinn, painted 'Sunflower for Ukraine' in tribute to Ukrainians displaced due to the invasion by Russia.
The mural by Emic, who has been practising as a street artist since 2013, is located on Harrow Street in the Holylands area of south Belfast and is one of a number of new murals popping up in the area.
He said: “The mural was painted without a budget to raise money for charity that myself and a group of residents in the Holyland put together.
“The group got in touch about doing something to show solidarity with Ukrainians – we had worked together on another project so there was a good level of trust between us. They were happy to give me creative freedom which I was very thankful for.”
Tim Marschang, co-founder and community manager of Street Art Cities said: "I visited Belfast myself last year, after being invited for Hit the North festival and I was impressed with the amount of street art and quality I found on the streets.
"Big up to the Seedhead Arts organisation for pushing the boundaries over the past 10 years. It's given Belfast another attraction which complements the city's rich history and tradition. I can't wait to visit again during Hit the North festival's next edition at the end of April."
You can vote for your favourite by downloading the free Street Art Cities app and clicking on the 'best of 2022' banner. Voting ends on January 31.
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