In a city still grappling with the legacy of its tumultuous past, a new photographic project is shining a light on the everyday lives of Belfast’s youth. Hazel Gaskin, an Irish photographer, has spent four years documenting the vibrant experiences of young people navigating their way through a landscape marked by historical tensions. Her latest book, *Breathing Land*, captures the essence of a generation eager to escape the confines of division and embrace a future of unity.
A Different Narrative
In the wake of the riots that erupted in Belfast in 2021, Gaskin was struck by the prevailing narrative that pigeonholed the city’s youth into stories of conflict and division. Determined to uncover a different reality, she immersed herself in the lives of teenagers, visiting youth clubs, boxing gyms, and dance groups. “I learned these kids are just being normal teenagers,” Gaskin reflects. “While their backgrounds may involve historic violence, they are simply living their lives, experiencing the same joys and challenges as their peers elsewhere.”
The photographs in *Breathing Land* depict various locales across the city, from the nationalist Falls Road to the unionist Shankill Road. Gaskin intentionally focused on less affluent communities, where physical barriers like peace walls and gates still exist, perpetuating a sense of separation. “I was shocked by how many of these structures are still in place,” she admits. “They not only affect movement through the city but also shape mentalities around division. Schools remain segregated, and interactions between communities are limited.”
The Pulse of Change
Gaskin’s work unearths more than just the lingering tensions between Catholics and Protestants; it highlights the broader issues of social mobility and poverty that confront the younger generation. “There are myriad tensions at play,” she points out. “It’s not solely about sectarian conflict. Many factors contribute to the struggles young people face today.”
Having grown up in Dublin, Gaskin recalls her own experiences of navigating the complexities of Northern Ireland in her youth. “When I visited Belfast in my twenties, I had to be cautious in certain areas,” she recalls. “The fear of being targeted because of my accent or the registration on my car was very real.” Yet, she is heartened to see how today’s youth are forging connections beyond the divisions of the past. “In clubs, it’s about the music. Nobody cares where you’re from,” she notes, echoing sentiments expressed in the popular song “Parful” by the Belfast rap group Kneecap.
A Glimpse into the Future
Since relocating to London in 2009, Gaskin has continued her studies in sociology and photography while teaching at the London College of Fashion. Yet, her heart remains tethered to Belfast, a city she observes undergoing profound transformation. Demographic shifts are increasing diversity, yet they have also led to a reported rise in racism and anti-immigrant sentiment.
Despite these challenges, Gaskin remains optimistic about the younger generation’s aspirations. “I definitely think the future will be more connected,” she asserts. “Young people don’t support the peace walls. They yearn for a normal existence. The emergence of less religiously segregated schools signals a shift in attitudes. Today’s youth no longer see the necessity for division.”
Why it Matters
*Breathing Land* encapsulates a pivotal moment in Belfast’s history, as its youth strive to redefine their identity free from the shackles of the past. Gaskin’s evocative photographs serve as a powerful reminder of resilience and hope, showcasing a generation determined to carve out a path toward unity and understanding. As they confront the legacy of division, these young people are not only rewriting their own narratives but also shaping the future of a city longing for peace.
