What stayed with me from research for my undergraduate dissertation which looked at the significance of Irish history for contemporary artists is that there is intergenerational trauma in Ireland.  Intergenerational trauma is an emerging field of research which has found that trauma is passed from generation to generation.  Trans generational effects are cultural, neurobiological, familial and epigenetic and impact issues such as poverty, equality and social progress.   

 

My current project looks at the Window tax of 1799-1822 in Ireland in the context of intergenerational trauma or historical loss.  This was of particular interest to me as the study of light is central to my practice.  The research draws upon archival records of the time.

​

Houses with five or more windows were liable for the Window Tax in Ireland, which led to windows being blocked up before it came into effect.  The tax placed a heavy burden on many people some of whom were on the brink of starvation. It had the greatest impact on the urban poor as the lack of light and air in homes caused the rapid spread of disease. The cabin dwelling rural poor were already living in darkness and abject poverty before the introduction of the tax.  Having few or no windows they were exempt from paying it.

​

This current project is part of a larger body of research on intergenerational trauma. 

​