Exploring Youth Culture in Post-Conflict Belfast: Hazel Gaskin's "Breathing Land"

In the aftermath of the 2021 riots in Belfast, Irish photographer Hazel Gaskin embarked on a four-year project to capture the lives of young people in the city, aiming to shift the narrative away from violence and division. Her book, *Breathing Land*, showcases the everyday experiences of teenagers in Belfast, particularly in less affluent areas where peace walls still physically and symbolically separate communities.

‘They don’t see the need for division any more’: how teenagers of Belfast are escaping the city’s past – in pictures

Belfast has a complex history marked by sectarian violence, primarily between loyalists and republicans. Gaskin's work highlights the ongoing impact of this legacy on the younger generation, who navigate a landscape shaped by historical tensions. Despite the presence of peace walls and segregated schools, Gaskin found that young people are eager to forge connections beyond these divisions.

‘They don’t see the need for division any more’: how teenagers of Belfast are escaping the city’s past – in pictures

Hazel Gaskin, born in Dublin in 1986, has a background in sociology and photography, having completed her MSc at Goldsmiths in 2024. She currently lectures at the London College of Fashion. Gaskin's personal experiences, including her cautious visits to Belfast in her youth, inform her understanding of the city's social dynamics.

‘They don’t see the need for division any more’: how teenagers of Belfast are escaping the city’s past – in pictures

Through her lens, Gaskin discovered that many young people in Belfast aspire to live without the constraints of their predecessors' conflicts. She noted that venues like clubs serve as spaces where divisions dissolve, allowing youth to enjoy music together regardless of their backgrounds. “Young people don’t see the need for the division any more,” Gaskin stated, reflecting a broader desire for a more integrated society.

‘They don’t see the need for division any more’: how teenagers of Belfast are escaping the city’s past – in pictures

Despite the optimism expressed by Gaskin, she acknowledges the persistent tensions between communities. Her observations reveal a mix of anxiety and excitement regarding potential political changes, such as a referendum on Irish reunification. Additionally, Gaskin noted a rise in racism and anti-immigrant violence, complicating the narrative of progress and unity among Belfast's youth.

‘They don’t see the need for division any more’: how teenagers of Belfast are escaping the city’s past – in pictures

Gaskin's reflections on her project emphasize the importance of understanding the complexities of youth experiences in Belfast. She remarked, “There are different things at play, like social mobility, poverty … all things that affect this generation.” This perspective underscores the multifaceted nature of the challenges faced by young people in the city.

‘They don’t see the need for division any more’: how teenagers of Belfast are escaping the city’s past – in pictures

• “I learned these kids are just being normal teenagers,” — Hazel Gaskin, Photographer

‘They don’t see the need for division any more’: how teenagers of Belfast are escaping the city’s past – in pictures

• “Young people don’t like the peace walls. They want to live in a ‘normal’ situation. More schools are coming in that are less religiously segregated. Young people don’t see the need for the division any more.” — Hazel Gaskin, Photographer

‘They don’t see the need for division any more’: how teenagers of Belfast are escaping the city’s past – in pictures

• “Nobody cared where you were from,” — Hazel Gaskin, Photographer

‘They don’t see the need for division any more’: how teenagers of Belfast are escaping the city’s past – in pictures

*Breathing Land* is set to be published in February 2026, offering a fresh perspective on the lives of Belfast's youth. As Gaskin continues to explore these themes, her work may contribute to ongoing discussions about identity, community, and the potential for reconciliation in a city still grappling with its past.

‘They don’t see the need for division any more’: how teenagers of Belfast are escaping the city’s past – in pictures