(John Ashbery: Diffusion of Knowledge, collage)
More than 300 people turned out for John Ashbery's April, 2008 Poetry Forum at the New School and I'm guessing that they'll have to call out for even more folding chairs for the February 7 event. During the first part of the program, Ashbery will read poems. Hearing John read his work is a revelation; his delivery is straightforward and modest, the better to appreciate the poems' wit, humor, and surprising juxtapositions and twists and turns. Following the reading, David Lehman, coordinator of the New School's graduate poetry program, will interview Ashbery and if there's time, Ashbery will take questions from the audience.
John Ashbery is one of our most celebrated and beloved poets. In the last couple of years he has shown his collages at a major NYC gallery and completed a translation of Arthur Rimbaud's Illuminations all while continuing to write his own poems. Even the most casual conversation with Ashbery can open up new vistas on poetry. Expect to be amazed.
Go here for more information.
(John Ashbery and David Lehman at the New School, April, 2008)
-- sdh
