Don’t look away!

'Feet up' is a piece of street art by Shaun Devenney that few seem to notice or even understand.

In the middle of Buchanan Street on a busy Saturday, this powerful painting reminds us of Gaza and the horrific situation there, while, presumably not many miles away up the coast, a man relaxes on a sun lounger...oblivious, detached or perhaps even grimly satisfied.

I did not create this series of images to judge. We all cope with the world and its challenges in different ways. Everyone has their story. But this is a warning to all of us to open our eyes and see what is happening right in front of us!

The power in this work doesn't just come from the emotion and skills of the artist, but from the choice of location. Those passing by are very much part of the message it conveys.
Their response to it, or even their lack of response, is in itself the story! What they choose to do after that will decide our future…

Thank you to everyone who stopped to talk, allowed me to photograph them and shared their thoughts.