https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r5DQmJ7JT0U&list=PL61gzH_liT5qJ22UmEsg_XziSoGo_sj9i&index=1
Overview
As a practicing artist, Stevenson embarked on a poignant year-long durational performance to mark the 25th Anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement. From February 14, 2023, to February 14, 2024, she crossed the UK/Ireland border daily, reciting the names and ages of those whose anniversaries of death, fatal injury, or disappearance coincided with each date. Titled Memorial/UnMemorial, the work explores the themes of remembrance and memorialization in Northern Ireland’s contemporary context. Serving as both a memorial and an “unmemorial,” it questioned the necessity or absence of a collective memorial, inviting viewers to reflect on these complexities.
Stevenson created a 3’15” film as the culmination of this journey, using daily footage and soundtracks. The film was shown in March 2024 at Belfast Exposed Photography Gallery in a curated reflective space that allowed visitors to engage with the narrative at their own pace, prompting contemplation on the legacy of conflict and the impact of memorialization. Belfast Exposed, known for showcasing thought-provoking narratives and visual stories, provided an ideal setting for Memorial/UnMemorial. The institution’s commitment to inclusivity, engagement, and amplifying diverse voices aligned with the essence of the film. Viewers could explore the visual narrative individually, bridging the gap between personal stories and collective history, fostering understanding, dialogue, and collective remembrance. The daily recitation of names and ages emphasized the universal impact of conflict on individuals, echoing Belfast Exposed’s dedication to truth-telling and confronting challenging realities. This commitment is reflected in the concept of the “persistence of the present past,” as described by Declan Long in Ghost-Haunted Land (Manchester University Press, 2020, p. 201).
The screening at Belfast Exposed on Donegall Street was particularly significant, commemorating events such as the March 20 anniversary of the Donegall Street bombings in 1972, which killed seven people and injured 148. The intentional choice of Valentine’s Day highlighted the belief that every individual is a ‘loved one,’ transcending perceived victim hierarchies. In this collaboration, “Memorial/UnMemorial” became not just a film screening but a dialogue between past and present, an ode to remembrance, and a critique of collective memorialization. It converged narratives, testified to shared values, and invited the audience to reflect on the ongoing legacy of conflict. The collaboration created an immersive experience resonating with cultural enrichment, social understanding, and artistic expression. A panel discussion with myself, Dr. Gail Ritchie, and Dr. Paul Mullan explored the themes of “Memorial/UnMemorial.” Hosted by Deirdre Robb, Chief Executive of Belfast Exposed, it took place in Gallery 1 on Thursday, March 21, 2024, as part of the Imagine! Belfast Festival of Ideas & Politics.
Lead Creatives
Gwen Stevenson (Artist)
Collaborating Organisations
Belfast Exposed Photography Gallery
Imagine! Belfast Festival of Ideas & Politics
Participating or Target Groups
Cross Community, Protestant, Unionist and Loyalist, Catholic Nationalist and Republican, LGBTQ+, Victims and Survivors, Ex-Combatants, Police, Wider Society, Prisoners & Ex-Prisoners
Key Aims and Rationale
Gwen Stevenson
This work is a deeply personal endeavor for me, rooted in my experiences and reflections on the profound impact of the Troubles. As someone who relocated to Northern Ireland nearly two decades ago, I grappled with the weight of our complex history and the ongoing trauma the conflict has left in its wake. At its core, “Memorial/UnMemorial” seeks to humanize the statistics of the Troubles, to shed light on the profound impact of loss and to create a platform for dialogue and understanding. Above all, I hope to ensure that the loss of life and the suffering of families and communities is not forgotten amidst discussions of moving on and looking forward. The act of crossing the Northern Ireland border daily is physical and symbolic. The symbolism of borders as divisions is a powerful theme, and this project highlights the evolution of the landscape from a place of conflict to one of normalcy and routine. The inclusion of mundane, everyday scenes contributes to a narrative of continuity and change. It serves as a visual representation of the resilience and adaptability of our communities that have experienced conflict, demonstrating how life has moved on despite the historical challenges. So the project not only memorializes the past but also captures the present reality, showing the border as a living entity that has transformed over time. I wanted to humanize not only the statistics but also the space, emphasizing that it is not frozen in the past but has evolved into a place where people go about their daily lives. I choose this time to make the work because it was the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement, the 40th anniversary of Belfast Exposed, and the 10th anniversary of the Imagine Festival. It was a time of anniversaries and sadly, every day of the year marks the anniversary of someone’s death as a result of the conflict here. Every day for the year, I spent time with the stories of each person who lost their life on that date and then crossed the UK/Ireland border, reciting their names and ages. This act evolved into a ritual of remembrance for myself and a growing group of followers as I uploaded the daily footage on social media. At the end of the year, I collated this footage into the over three-hour film that showed in a curated reflective space at Belfast Exposed alongside the daily reels. I hope that the work contributes something to how we live with the enduring legacy of the conflict and navigates sensitivities surrounding remembrance and memorialization.
Key Peace-Related Issues
Commemoration and Remembrance
Conflicted Histories
Violence and Trauma
Historical and Transitional Justice
Linked and Legacy Projects
CAIN Archive, University of Ulster – https://cain.ulster.ac.uk/
Gail Ritchie: The Im/material Monument. Naughton Gallery Belfast, 2022 & QSS Gallery Belfast, 2023 – http://www.gailritchie.com/202223.html
Key Information
Lead OrganisationGwen Stevenson
14/02/2023
30/03/2024
Locations
Monaghan, Tyrone, Cavan, Fermanagh, Sligo, Armagh.
Online Resources
https://gwenstevenson.com/northern-ireland-conflict-memorial-unmemorial/
Interview conducted for University of Liverpool Recovering the Art of Reconciliation workshop at Arts Council NI, 27 June 2024