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The Big Fish

The Big Fish is a large of a located in , . Created by artist John in 1999, the 10-metre-long (33 ft) statue is covered in over 300 blue-and-white ceramic tiles depicting scenes from Belfast's history, including maps, newspaper clippings, poems, and drawings. It was commissioned as part of the regeneration of the River Lagan area and installed on Donegall Quay near the Lagan Weir footbridge and . The sculpture, also known as the Salmon of Knowledge after a figure in , symbolizes wisdom, storytelling, and the city's industrial and maritime heritage. Embedded within is a containing items reflecting Belfast's culture, intended to be opened in 2059. It has become a popular landmark and , contributing to Belfast's .

Overview and Description

Physical Description

The Big Fish is a portraying a emerging dynamically from the water, symbolizing renewal and the vitality of Belfast's . Measuring 10 meters in length (approximately 33 feet), the work captures the fish in a leaping pose, with its body curving realistically to evoke the motion of a salmon in mid-jump. Constructed as a printed ceramic mosaic, the features an outer cladding of individual tiles applied over a supportive structure, creating a textured, scale-like surface that mimics the fish's skin. These tiles, numbering in the thousands and predominantly in , are adorned with vibrant printed images, texts, and motifs drawn from Belfast's cultural and industrial heritage, such as historical events, local figures, and . The detailed patterning contributes to a hyper-realistic rendering of the fish's form while infusing a whimsical quality through its eclectic, narrative-driven decorations that blend natural aquatic elements with urban and industrial themes. This fusion of materials and design results in a visually striking piece that appears almost lifelike under light, with the mosaic's glossy finish enhancing the illusion of water droplets and movement along the contoured body. Installed along Donegall Quay, the sculpture's elongated, sinuous shape integrates seamlessly with the riverside environment, emphasizing its theme of emergence from the .

Location and Installation

The Big Fish is located at Donegall Quay in , , precisely at the confluence of the River Farset and the River , with coordinates 54.6015°N 5.9217°W. This positioning highlights the site's as the origin point of Belfast's development around the rivers. Installed in 1999 as a permanent public artwork, the is fixed to a riverside wall along the quay, ensuring its stability and prominence as a fixed installation. It faces directly toward the River Lagan, integrating with the urban to symbolize the river's ecological and economic following decades of decline and . The design allows easy pedestrian access from the quay promenade, while its elevated placement makes it visible from boats on the water and nearby bridges. In its surrounding context, The Big Fish stands adjacent to the Lagan Weir, which controls tidal flows and supports the area's regeneration, and is in close proximity to the complex across the river, connected by a that enhances its role as a navigational for visitors. This integration into the Laganside development zone underscores the sculpture's contribution to Belfast's post-industrial waterfront renewal.

Creation and Commission

Commissioning Process

The commissioning of The Big Fish was initiated by the Laganside Corporation, a public development agency tasked with revitalizing Belfast's waterfront areas following decades of industrial decline and conflict. The project aimed to commemorate the regeneration of the River Lagan, which had undergone significant cleanup efforts to restore its ecological health after historical pollution from shipbuilding and manufacturing industries, while also honoring the city's industrial heritage in the aftermath of . This initiative aligned with broader post-1998 efforts to foster community renewal and optimism through . Funding for the sculpture was provided by the Laganside Corporation, supplemented by grants from the and National Lottery proceeds distributed through the Arts Council of and the Millennium Commission. These sources enabled the project's realization as a installation symbolizing environmental and social rebirth, with the motif chosen to evoke the species' return to the now-cleaner river. In 1998, -born artist John Kindness was selected for the commission due to his established expertise in mosaic techniques and large-scale public artworks that engage with local history and community narratives. Kindness, who trained at Belfast College of Art and had previously created community-oriented sculptures such as those at Belfast's bus station, was well-suited to produce a piece that integrated storytelling elements reflective of the city's past. The commission was awarded that year, leading to the sculpture's completion and public unveiling on 26 October 1999 at Donegall Quay.

Construction and Materials

The Big Fish sculpture is fabricated using a combination of printed tiles and a core for support, with weather-resistant sealants applied to ensure outdoor durability in Belfast's variable climate. The tiles are made from a specialized architectural clay body, Earthstone ES70, developed specifically for the project to enable the creation of large-scale pieces suitable for the sculpture's 10-meter length. The production techniques involved and application of decals onto glazed tiles to reproduce historical images and texts, followed by hand-assembly of over 2,000 individual pieces to form the fish's skin. Artist John Kindness oversaw the fabrication process at a local studio, collaborating with regional printers and potters to achieve high-fidelity reproduction of archival materials while maintaining colorfastness against exposure to rain, wind, and UV light. Construction progressed in phases beginning with design sketches in 1998, shortly after the , followed by tile fabrication in early 1999 using the custom clay formulation. On-site assembly and installation occurred in mid-1999 on Donegall Quay, funded in part by the Laganside Corporation as part of the River Lagan regeneration efforts. Key challenges included adapting standard ceramic processes for the scale and environmental demands, such as testing for long-term adhesion and fade resistance in Belfast's damp weather conditions.

Design Elements

Imagery and Symbolism

The mosaic surface of The Big Fish, a 10-meter-long ceramic sculpture by John Kindness installed in 1999, features thousands of blue-toned tiles that collectively narrate Belfast's historical evolution through a blend of visual and textual elements. Key images include , old maps from the era, illustrations of maritime activities along the , and depictions of the city's industrial heritage, such as shipbuilding scenes and linen mill operations, which highlight the river's role in . These visuals also incorporate children's drawings, evoking community involvement and a sense of continuity from past to present. Additionally, the tiles portray as a returning to the cleaned , symbolizing ecological renewal after decades of industrial pollution. Textual elements on the tiles enrich this narrative with excerpts from local poems, newspaper clippings capturing pivotal moments in Belfast's history—both triumphs and challenges—and factual annotations about the River Lagan's industrial past, including its transformation from a polluted waterway to a revitalized urban feature. While primarily in English, some inscriptions reflect bilingual cultural contexts through references to , though specific dual-language text is integrated subtly to underscore local identity. These texts draw from community-sourced stories, fostering a of resilience amid economic shifts. Symbolically, the salmon form of the sculpture serves as a metaphor for Belfast's resilience and economic revival, echoing the Irish legend of the , where consuming the fish grants wisdom and foresight—here repurposed to represent learning from for a hopeful future. Completed in 1999, shortly after the of 1998, the work embodies renewal, with the fish's upward gaze and the return of to the Lagan signifying the city's recovery from industrial decline and social strife. Personal stories integrated via community consultations on the tiles further emphasize themes of unity and regeneration, positioning the artwork as a beacon of cultural rebirth tied to the waterway that shaped . John Kindness's design draws from ancient mosaic traditions, employing ceramic decals and hand-painted tiles reminiscent of historical techniques like blue-and-white patterns, while infusing contemporary themes to emphasize local identity and humorously contrast material with narrative. This fusion of classical artistry with modern pop-influenced , such as clippings and drawings, creates a layered that defies traditional boundaries, highlighting Belfast's vibrant, evolving story.

Embedded Time Capsule

The time capsule embedded within The Big Fish is housed inside the fish's body, providing a hidden element that complements the external design. Installed in 1999 as part of the artwork commissioned by the Laganside Corporation, the capsule was assembled during the construction process under the direction of artist John Kindness. This internal feature was designed to encapsulate elements of Belfast's contemporary culture and history, distinguishing it from the visible ceramic tiles that adorn the exterior. The contents of the time capsule include a collection of information, images, and focused on , gathered to reflect the city's at the turn of the millennium. Contributions came from local community members, notably school children from institutions such as Glenwood Primary School, St Comgall’s, and Everton Day Centres, who provided artwork and other materials. Historical images sourced from the were also incorporated, ensuring a blend of personal and institutional perspectives on urban life, regeneration efforts along the River Lagan, and cultural narratives. The primary purpose of is to serve as a preserved record of late-20th-century , offering future audiences insight into the social and historical context during a period of significant . By sealing these materials within the , and the commissioners aimed to create a temporal bridge, allowing the capsule to be revealed at an appropriate future moment to highlight the evolution of the city and its waterfront. This forward-looking aspect underscores the artwork's role in blending immediate artistic expression with long-term cultural documentation.

Cultural and Historical Significance

Public Reception and Nicknames

Upon its unveiling in October 1999, The Big Fish garnered positive attention for its accessible design and humorous representation of local folklore, quickly becoming a beloved among and visitors alike. Reviews highlight its lively and engaging qualities, with tourists often praising its photogenic appeal and the intricate mosaic tiles that invite close interaction. Over time, it has maintained a strong favorable reception, evidenced by a 3.9 out of 5 rating on from over 640 reviews, where it is frequently described as an iconic and whimsical addition to Belfast's scene. The sculpture is affectionately nicknamed the "Big Fish" or the "," drawing from where consuming the salmon grants —a theme reflected in local traditions of kissing the statue for good luck or enhanced knowledge. Since its installation, The Big Fish has received consistent media coverage in resources, appearing in guides as a key highlight of Belfast's riverside attractions. It remains well-maintained with no notable incidents of damage reported in . The artwork fosters through its creation process, which incorporated contributions from local schools like Glenwood Primary and day centers, embedding community stories into its tiles and . Ongoing involvement includes educational programs, such as mosaic craft activities inspired by the sculpture's design, used in lessons to teach and artistic techniques.

Role in Belfast's Regeneration and Tourism

The Big Fish sculpture was commissioned as part of the Laganside Corporation's efforts to revitalize the River Lagan waterfront following the 1998 , which catalyzed broader in by fostering peace and . Created in 1999, the artwork symbolizes the return of to the cleaned river and the city's transformation from industrial decline to prosperity, aligning with Laganside's regeneration initiatives that attracted over £570 million in investments by 2000. This project contributed to a larger £1 billion riverfront redevelopment scheme, enhancing public spaces and infrastructure to draw investment and residents back to the area. As a key tourism draw, The Big Fish serves as an iconic landmark on Donegall Quay, attracting visitors for its interactive mosaic tiles depicting Belfast's history and offering prime photo opportunities along the waterfront. It features prominently in guided tours, such as the Hop-on Hop-off bus route, and digital heritage trails via apps like GPSmyCity, integrating it into self-guided explorations of the city's maritime and cultural sites. The sculpture's visibility in promotional materials has helped position Belfast as a vibrant destination, with its image commonly used to highlight the area's accessibility and appeal to international tourists. In the , enhancements like the 2024 installation of a wayfinding feature at the site have improved visitor navigation and accessibility along the waterfront trail. Maintained as by local authorities, The Big Fish continues to support by boosting nearby businesses through foot traffic and inspiring merchandise such as prints and apparel that celebrate Belfast's identity. Its enduring role underscores the sculpture's contribution to the city's post-conflict narrative of renewal and .

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