DEEDPOLL NAMECHANGE (2009)
VIDEO DOCUMENTARY, IRELAND AND SERBIA
Duffy acquired the name of a close friend through deed poll name change who was also an asylum seeker residing in Ireland. Duffy attempted to expose the injustices faced by those seeking asylum in the corrupt Irish Direct Provision system. The film reveals Duffy’s failed attempt at applying for a travel visa to enable this unnamed person's father to travel to Ireland via the Irish consulate in Serbia. We, the viewers, also witness the circumstances of this unnamed person's family and friends who were left behind in their home country.
Duffy’s own father, Gerard Duffy became his witness in the name change process, as Duffy paid out €500 in solicitor fees. At the time of this event, the unnamed person had been waiting for status for five years, while Duffy’s privilege allowed him to identify as this unnamed person for a mire few hundred euro. It brings to light the privilege of being an Irish citizen, the toxic Irish welcome some people receive, but it also demonstrates the multiple reasons behind why people might use the deed poll name-change process.
This unnamed person remains a close friend, where he now holds full Irish citizenship. Duffy has since returned to his birth name Bryan Gerard Duffy.
PLEASE NOTE: For the protection of the people involved, all images, recordings and use of name are no longer employed.
"...Expecting her to want to ask me questions, the conversation was more about reaching out and engaging with someone who is isolated from society." Michelle Browne, artist, writer and curator based in Dublin
REFERENCE: CIRCA ART MAGAZINE, ISSUE 129, AUTUMN 2009, PAGE 74
"Deedpoll Namechange", video still, 2009 and "The person who answers your call would like to speak with you", installation, 2009
©Bryan Gerard Duffy