Belfast Shaftesbury Square Big Bizarre Multi Eyed Fish Mural Veks Van Hillik

This is me yesterday avoiding the fast flowing traffic down at Belfast Shaftesbury Square. It's Tuesday14th May and the weather yesterday was damp again but moving towards drying up.
I'm looking up at the large gable wall of one of the buildings facing on to the square where the old underground toilets used to be. This large white expanse of wall recently used to host 2 very ugly arty sculptures that most people used to hate. The ugly twin sculptures are thankfully gone but have inexplicably been replaced by a bizarre, full sized, head pointing down, large multi eyed dead fish!
Are we supposed to like/appreciate this large fish? this street art certainly doesn't get my approval. One wonders what message we are expected to find hidden in it? Maybe it's just me but I'm afraid that I don't find this piece 'captivating'. I can live without it. It's not as gross as the twin ugly sculptures but............
This well executed mystery piece is by Veks Van Hillik
Veks Van Hillik is a French street artist known for his captivating and surreal murals, draws inspiration from nature (often fish), pop culture, and art history. His unique style, influenced by artists like Gustave Doré and Salvador Dalí, features intricate details, richly warmed colors, painterly strokes, and fantastical creatures. Based in Toulouse, Hillik has left his mark on cities across Europe with his paintings, aiming to evoke emotion and curiosity while inviting viewers into a world of boundless imagination.

[@andrewnelsondrumcovers1787]

Great video, Tom. I know that area like the back of my hand as I was a civil servant working at that end of Great Victoria Street for 21 years until I retired at the end of last year. The traffic's always hectic around Shaftesbury Square. I agree with you about the fish. It's really skilfully and impressively painted, but it's as horrible as those two stupid looking statues that used to hang out of that wall. There's better fish on Botanic Avenue and you get chips with it. I'm not into surreal modern art either.

[@TomMcClean]

Hi Andrew. I love your humorous comment. I totally agree with it. Best wishes from the Belfast Castlereagh hills. Modern art turns me off.

[@joanburnison8071]

A long, long time ago Tom, I remember those angels being put up on that building. I was a schoolgirl walking into town from school. As I said a long time ago!!!😊

[@TomMcClean]

Ah they were horrible Joan. I'm afraid I remember them being put up too. There was a lot of controversy about it at the time. I'm glad they are well away but the fish is a poor replacement.

[@shaunmckenna1923]

Hello Tom , another one that a little bit different I would not know what to make of it . Thanks Tom.

[@TomMcClean]

Such a wasted opportunity Shaun to cheer folk up.

[@keithholgreen7294]

That’s crazy Tom. I’m sure it was most likely with money that could have gone to a better cause. 40 years ago someone spent a fortune on the Utah Tree and it sits right off the freeway in the middle of the desert.

[@TomMcClean]

I agree Keith! Not my choice at all! Best wishes from the Belfast Castlereagh hills.

[@mikedrown2721]

I don't know what to make of it either. Maybe people on drugs might appreciate it.... lol I remember that song by Joan Baez and wow, she sure was right. Thanks Tom

[@TomMcClean]

LOL Mike. I was thinking very much along the same lines! lol I think that the world has really regressed in almost every direction since the 1960s.

[@chriswardlow9441]

It looks like a fish made out of tin and has sunk nose down Tom, how bazaar.

[@TomMcClean]

Not to my taste at all Chris. I think this was a wasted opportunity to brighten the place up and also cheer folk up when they needed it.

[@hayleys1260]

The is really unpleasant. No matter what the multi eyes are meant to represent, it's bizarre, depressing and creepy. Public art should uplift.

[@TomMcClean]

I totally agree Hayley. Why do artists put this gloom and doom kind of thing in front or us. A very poor choice of subject in my opinion. Best wishes from the Belfast Castlereagh hills.

[@lastwalkaroundmirrorlake]

The took away the two bronze sculptures and replaced them with that meaningless tripe. I'm. a big fan of street art but Belfast seems to use it as a way to detract from the dereliction

[@TomMcClean]

Agreed LWAML. I am not impressed by this dead fish with multiple eyes. Belfast City council ignore the dereliction. The mostly excellent street art is indeed an useful distraction.