Visual Poetry

Twenty-four visual poets and other interested parties participated in the visual poetry workshop held at the Saari Residence from 13–26 July 2009. The guest of honour at the workshop was Geof Huth from the United States, indisputably one of the leaders in the field. Other international artists in attendance were Christian Bök from Canada, Eirikur Örn Norðdahl from Iceland, and Nancy Frye Huth from the US.

Finns who took part included the poets Teemu Manninen, Jouni Tossavainen, Henriikka Tavi, Marko Niemi, Mikael Brygger, Kristian Blomberg, J. K. Ihalainen, Satu Kaikkonen, J. P. Sipilä, Outi-Illuusia Parviainen, Jonimatti Joutsijärvi, Olli-Pekka Tennilä, Mari Koski, Leevi Lehto, and Karri Kokko.

The workshop comprised various practical training sessions, and presentations (prepared in advance) on methods and techniques in visual poetry.

Geof Huth’s substantial CLOSING PRESENTATION was a detailed examination of the history and expressive possibilities of visual poetry. The personal contacts made during the workshop will also prove very valuable for the future.

Outsiders were not forgotten either. The poets performed at Turku University Theatre on 17 July, and an exhibition of stills from the performance will be on display in Pasila library in Helsinki from 21 August. Visual poetry is also the topic of discussion at international poetics conference to be held at the Kiasma Theatre in Helsinki on 23 August.
In addition, English poet and curator Tony Trehy’s visit also points to the likelihood that the workshop participants can expect even greater international visibility in the future.

PS. Geof Huth’s daily blogs on the proceedings of the workshop can be read from HERE.