Blog | Haptic Poetry–Yet Another Category of Liminal Expression |
Call for a poetry of pure touch with text-like elements. This poetry could be sculptural–free standing or relief work–or be flat “page” poetry, but the tactile elements should take precedence over the visual–i.e., this is poetry that does not need to be seen to be experienced. I can imagine that the temperature of the work could become an important element, as well as the dryness or wetness of the surfaces.
I can also imagine “pure” tactile poetry practicioners that do not allow the poem to be seen at all and “soft” practicioners of the art who allow their creations to be seen as well as touched.
Of course, this is not visual poetry, but the elements of visual poetry (in all its liminal glory) translated to another sense.
Perhaps there are already haptic poetry groups in operation? If so, please let me know. If anyone out there has or will experiment with creating haptic poetry, please contact me via this website.
September 14th, 2006 at 1:20 pm
Re: Haptic
“Of course, this is not visual poetry, but the elements of visual poetry (in all its liminal glory) translated to another sense.”
Much of the work I do is what I refer to as “three- dimensional” or “sculptural” poetry. The three-dimensional letters used to craft my free-standing forms are certainly tactile and would allow viewers to experience the poem by touch alone, although that was not my initial purpose. A thought: it would be interesting to find out if good visual composition has any relation to good tactile composition, both regarding the shape alone as well as the texture of the artwork/poem.
September 14th, 2006 at 6:38 pm
That’s a great insight, Kathy. Listen, any input on the Haptic poetry page would be wonderful. I’d be happy to include you as an example of a contemporary Haptic poet. Could include a photo of something you’ve done. Jess