Abstract

An outcome from the Via Ferrata project.A video and text made onsite near Mt Grappa in the Italian Dolomites.It poetically explores WW1 history making possible connections with contemporary situations such as continuing wars, social / national injustice and the economic context of modern Europe.Via Ferrata ProjectEstablishing a new frame offered through experiential and creative research through which to re-imagine the cultural significance of WW1 to contemporary notions of nationhood, culture and the environment. Expanding previous work (two AHRC awards) on new creative methodologies (cross contextualization) employing strategies and cultural contexts of rock climbing / mountaineering activity.Experiential climbing trips to Marmolada and Grappa in the Dolomites to research Via Ferrata making drawings, texts and lens based footage. Desk based research into The Italian Front in WW1 and the development of Via Ferrata in the wider context of Modernism, Fascism and Futurism. Research made around the UVF and the Ulster divisions in WW1 in relation to contemporary NI Loyalism.