Canadian artist John G. Boehme in ‘dirty protest’ at site of proposed Northern Ireland gold mine. He tucked into a ploughman’s lunch covered with gold leaf, washing it down with a large glass of Goldschlager.

A Canadian artist travelled to Northern Ireland yesterday to dump on plans for a proposed mine. Dalradian is seeking permission to remove billions worth of gold and silver from the Sperrins over the next 20 years, saying it will create hundreds of new jobs and follow strict environmental rules. But over 10,000 people have sent letters to the government opposing the Co Tyrone planning application over fears for the health and natural beauty of the rural community, related in part to the use of cyanide.

As part of a protest against the Canadian firm’s plan John G. Boehme dug a hole in the ground, before placing a table and chair in it. He then tucked into a ploughman’s lunch covered with gold leaf, washing it down with a large glass of Goldschlager. Boehme then did his business in the hole, clawed earth down on top of his waste and then walked away after creating a little bit of “bog” land.
He said: “In Canada, where I’m from, there’s a movement back towards the land.“The land is very important to our identity and who we are as people.“We need to honour the land that we’re on.to the idea of exploiting resources in the short term but also with effects for generations to come.“I chose Greencastle for my focus because the company involved is Canadian, and so, being Canadian I thought, you know, there was a connection there.
“The history of the site and the history of the people is incredible. I’ve been researching this place for months, and I learned so much.

“I thought I would do something funny and also direct,” he added. “Eating gold highlighted the idea of excess. Right now there’s already excess gold in the world. Why do you need more?“I wanted this to be site-specific, rather than a gallery situation, because I wanted to be out in an environment that would exemplify the region and allow people to connect with the work as a community.”
Boehme’s work has been exhibited across Canada, Australia, the Americas, Europe and China.His performance in Greencastle was sponsored by BBeyond as part of their ‘Citizengage – Ecology + Performance art’ project.
Performance art”. https://www.facebook.com/SaveOurSperrins/
Many thanks to Candian artist John G. Boehme, Bbeyond Belfast and their ‘Citizengage – Ecology + Performance art’ project. “In Canada, where I’m from, there’s a movement back towards the land. The land is very important to our identity and who we are as people.
We need to honour the land that we’re on.I started looking into this company and the history of mining in general and I was drawn to the idea of exploiting resources in the short term but also with effects for generations to come… The history of the site and the history of the people is incredible.”