Funding from the Housing Executive has enabled Belfast artist Michael Doherty to paint a mural that imitates ‘The Thinker’ by Rodin.
However, instead of a man in ‘thinking’ pose at the centre of the mural there’s a pupil from Holy Cross Boys School.
Philosophers Plato, Socrates, Aristotle and John Stuart Mill surround him in a Greek themed background with some famous quotes.
Principal of Holy Cross Boys School, Kevin McArevey, explains the significance of the mural for the boys.
“This new artwork gives a sense of pride and reflects the great community spirit here in Ardoyne and helps our boys understand what philosophy is about.
“We want to encourage the boys to think about why they do things, and where their actions can take them in later life.
“This wall used to be continually blighted with graffiti and is a main thoroughfare for the children attending school.
“We’ve been incorporating philosophy into our curriculum for several years now, and the boys are grasping the benefit of taking a moment to think about things before springing into action.
“I’d like to thank the Housing Executive and the artist for making this mural possible, which will continue to inspire the boys as they come into school every day.”
Gerard Flynn, Housing Executive North Belfast Area Manager, said: “We were very happy to support the pupils of Holy Cross Boys in Ardoyne in this project and we are delighted this change was led by young people.
“The mural is a very welcome and positive addition to the area.
“Well done to the boys from Holy Cross Primary School for their ambition to promote their community in a positive way.”
Each of the pillars featured on the mural contains one of the ‘Four R’ words – key to engaging in philosophy - Reflective, Reasoned, Responsive and Re-evaluative.
The mural can be viewed at the corner of Brookfield Place and Butler Walk, close to the entrance to Holy Cross Boys Primary School.
