Ferrata-feratu

Ferrata-feratu is an directional early outcome (a re-edit of Vertical Dream 2006) aligned to the Via Ferrata project.Ferrata-feratu explores a physical, pshycological space where levels of the experiential and liminal overlap. The feratu (from the vampiric Nosferatu) suggests a supernatural space of embodied perception - a space beyond what is seen.Via Ferratta (Iron Way) is a system to aid movement around the mountains. It was developed during WW1 by the Italian military and basically involves the installation of metal rungs up otherwise (aside from using rock climbing skills) inaccessible mountainsides.This DVD features video of a via ferratta climb on Mt Rubli - where the artist attached a video camera to his backpack whilst climbing the route and records the view below. The video presents a disorientating landscape of the vertical.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. The project developed technical system for camera mountings on Via Ferrata cable.