Feltdark: Derek Sargent (sa) and Jess Miley (Hungary) - Grave Project: Queers of the East (Hungary),

Derek Sargent and Jess Miley performative research project ‘The Grave Project’, researches historic individuals who have had an impact on queer and non-normative culture. This research culminates in a pilgrimage to these individuals burial site. The project examines the way the queerness of these historical figures is used in the construction of their historical biographies, Derek Sargent and Jess Miley have been collaborating together for over three years on their artistic performative research project ‘The Grave Project’, which researches historic individuals who have had an impact on queer and non-normative culture. The project examines the way the queerness of these historical figures is used in the construction of their historical biographies and how, where they lived, either by choice or not, had a profound effect on their queer story. These personal histories act as a framework to examine contemporary ideas around queer existence. This research culminates in a pilgrimage to these individuals burial site which is documented in photography, film and text to create an alternative historical archive. Derek is currently based in Bergen Norway where he is completing his Masters in Fine Art. Jess is currently located in Gyula, Hungary where she runs Ways House a queer feminist art residency in Eastern Hungary.