Poets are known for seeking beauty in everything, from the tragic to the mundane. But what happens when we reject beauty altogether and lean into the abject and grotesque, when we turn our gaze towards that which makes us squirm? Julia Kristeva writes, “[the abject] is simply a frontier, a repulsive gift that the Other, having become alter ego, drops so that the ‘I’ does not disappear in it but finds, in that sublime alienation, a forfeited existence.” Embracing the grotesque offers a space for reclamation and resistance, particularly for those of us whose bodies are already marginalized and regarded as monstrous. Register here.

In this workshop, students will read and discuss poems that explore the grotesque, including work by Kim Hyesoon, Jenny Zhang, Justin Chin, and more, and will engage in generative writing exercises.

Saturday | Jan 24 | 12:00 – 3:00pm | $105 ($90 for Members)

Workshop will take place in the Stanley Kunitz Conference Room at Poets House.

All are welcome, space is limited. A limited number of need-based scholarships are available. Please email support@poetshouse.org with any questions. By participating in the workshop, you agree to abide by our Community Agreement.