It's either 'the problem' or the point, Robin. Or, at least, sometimes
it is.
I can think of some conceptual poetry that holds my attention, if
something like EUNOIA is seen as 'conceptual.'
But, yes, it's the idea that makes its point.
bpNichol once had a great little cartoon about this. First frame: guy
in a room thinking: 'sit on a stage for an hour saying nothing. Far
out!'; 2nd panel: guy on stage, thought balloons above audience
members all saying 'Boring!'; 3rd panel: audience member telling a
friend about thi guy sitting on a stage for an hour saying nothing, &
the friend thinking, 'Far out!'
Doug
On 16-Apr-10, at 5:25 AM, Robin Hamilton wrote:
>> On the other hand, such work allows a reader to 'get it' rather
>> quickly & then not bother reading the whole...?
>
> Isn't this the whole problem with conceptual poetry (and conceptual
> art generally), Doug?
>
> It's the idea rather than the actuality which counts.
>
> Robin
Douglas Barbour
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