Abstract

Resonating the significance of WW1 to local northern Irish cultural politics this and other outcomes developed across two connected research interests: via ferrata and the star sign.6Star is an artwork commissioned via EARN – European Artistic Research Network) and GradCam for‘re;public’ Temple Bar, Dublin (2010). It takes the star symbol from the Ulster banner (official flag Northern Irish flag 1954–72) a symbol also found in much loyalist and evangelic iconography, and disturbs its lack of transparency using sculptural and interactive means in a public exhibition.A number of artworks and exhibitions have pursued these interests including YUPA STAR (The MAC 2012), Vigil|Star (Aliceday 2011), Bivacco|Star (Third Space 2011), Mortar|Device (Third Space 2011), 6star (Temple Bar Gallery 2010), Evilsport (Stephen Lawrence Gallery 2011).This work led directly to its twin artwork: Mortar|Device – an HD video animation deriving 6 pointed star imagery from loyalist paramilitary murals and animating it as a phenomenological artwork which links it to trench warfare weaponry of WW1 – evoking the significance of events such as the Somme to Loyalist identity and iconography.These artworks and exhibitions; ‘6Star’, ‘LUVE’, ‘Still Not Out Of The Woods’, ‘YUPA STAR’ and ‘Bivacoo Star’ explore rigorous creative possibilities around the imagery and legacy of WW1 from a Northern Ireland context – cross referenced to wider pan European contexts.‘6star’ was invited to be shown again in solo exhibitions in Brussels (Aliceday 2011) and Belfast (Third Space 2011) leading to a new commission and exhibition ‘Still Not Out Of The Woods’ (Shipsides and Beggs) at the MAC, Belfast (2012) The star / via ferrata connection will be further explored in a new invited commission at ACCA, Melbourne (2012).Arts Council of Ireland (TBG)Gradcam (€2000 - commission)The Mac (£2000)ACCA (£5000)Features: 6star (re;public) Art and the Public Sphere Journal. Issue 1, 2010.