The Belfast Big Fish, also known as the “River Fish”, is an iconic sculpture that graces the quayside in the city of Belfast, Northern Ireland. This work of art, created in 1999, is more than just a tourist attraction; it is steeped in symbolism and history, reflecting Belfast’s rich cultural and industrial past.
Big Fish, Belfast – © Nataliya Hora
John Kindness’ Big Fish dates from 1999, and is located not far from the city’s shipyards, near the Samson & Goliath Cranes and the Titanic Belfast Experience, a museum dedicated to the history of the world’s most famous ocean liner!
The sculpture is made up of printed ceramic tiles, decorated with texts and images relating to the history of Belfast. On the program: historical documents, children’s drawings, maritime stories… Fish is a pretty comprehensive collection of Belfast stories in its own right!
The sculpture is a tribute to Belfast’s industrial and maritime past, particularly its days as a major shipbuilding center. In fact, it’s located near the Lagan River, on the site of the shipyards where the famous Titanic was built, linking the city’s present with its illustrious past.
A true symbol of the city, this fish is also synonymous with renewal: the district in which it was installed is at the heart of a major modernization program.
But it’s also a vibrant reference to a legend from Irish mythology: that of the“salmon of knowledge“.
According to epic tales, the Salmon of Knowledge, also known as Fintan or the Salmon of Wisdom, was an exceptional being possessing all the knowledge in the world. After being caught, it was prepared by the famous Fionn Mac Cumhaill: by accidentally touching it and then sucking his thumb, the man is said to have inherited exceptional knowledge.
Access to the sculpture is free and rather fun. Set up on the docks (it’s hard to miss!), you can appreciate the petrol blue of the sculpture, including its impressive dimensions.
The sculpture is perfect for lovers of art and street art, so don’t hesitate to walk around it and take a close look at its various ceramics: each scale corresponds to a work of art, so you’ll have plenty to read!
You’ll learn a host of little anecdotes about the city, and also have the opportunity to learn more about Belfast’s complex history.
It’s a delightful work of art, but above all, it’s fun!
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