Persons Unknown

Persons Unknown

Persons Unknown is a typography-led, written piece, created as a contribution for the (Arts Council funded) project and publication State, in Relation, which responds to the Constitution of Ireland as both a historical document and present-day living text that addresses the evolving relationship and lived experience of citizen to state.

The piece was written as an acknowledgement of, and testimony to, the ongoing effect of the social and cultural context brought about by the role of the Catholic church on the Irish constitution and state during its emergence. Its strict emphasis on upholding conservative social mores, and the ensuing impact on Irish citizens, (including those of all faiths and religions) that fell outside of this very narrow remit led to (among other effects) the marginalisation of women, men, their children and families that left a legacy of separation and displacement that continues, particularly in relation to the issue of adoption. The piece also hopes to advocate for the right of adoptees, their families and all others affected, to speak and be heard about the subject from the perspective of situated knowledge, as opposed to those voices produced from outside the realm of experience on the topic.

Persons Unknown is a piece of concrete poetry, (and slow writing) that was written and composed directly onto this series of pages, over a number of weeks, drawing from personal notebooks, kept over the course of time. It attempts to verbally, visually and typographically occupy and subvert the formal administration and paperwork required to avail of services offered by the Irish government in relation to the Birth Information and Tracing Act. Incorporating language taken directly from the official Birth Information and Tracing Application Form, and drawing on the de-personalised and alienating vernacular (both literal and visual) and typography of official bureaucracy, every line is written and designed to be read, as though on a voyage, across each double page spread, evocative of a maritime charts and musical scores—more hopeful and creative forms.

This project was developed with creative support from Clíodhna Shaffrey and Órla Goodwin at Temple Bar Gallery + Studios, and made possible by a Literature Project Award from the Arts Council of Ireland

Persons Unknown: Written and designed by Clare Bell