Projects

The Questions of Poetry - July 7th, 2024
KAKA MAMA FESTIVAL at Kunstfront Maastricht
Curated by Stefanie Gordin x Laura Claessens

Stefanie Gordin and Laura Claessens explore the tangible side of poetry. Using AI, they delve into the similarities among the most famous poems. What words did Shakespeare most frequently use in his sonnets, and why do haikus often revolve around frogs? In dialogue with each other, they strive to shape inspiration. Is it possible to distill the impulse behind a poem down to just an image, sentence, or word?

Their curated exhibit provides an interactive opportunity for visitors to create poetry. Through guiding questions, visitors can discover the guidelines to craft poetry that resonates intrinsically with them. From those who find poetry frustrating and prestigious to aspiring members of the Dead Poets Society, the posed questions are accessible to all.

Poster for the Art Festival 'The Questions of Poetry' held on July 7th, 2024, curated by Laura Claessens and Stefanie Gordin, featuring images of two flying seagulls, two peaches with lips, and abstract scribbles.
A poster titled 'The Questions of Poetry' with illustrations of birds, apples, and abstract scribbles, containing text about an exhibit exploring poetry and its relation to art, curated by Laura Claessens and Stefanie Gordin for a festival in July 2024.
Group of people gathered in an unfinished, industrial-style room with large windows, listening to a person speaking. Some attendees sit on chairs, others sit on the floor or stand, and a person is taking a photo or recording on a smartphone.
A woman with dark hair wearing a black floral dress, sitting indoors in front of a window, speaking and gesturing with her hand, holding an open book on her lap.

©Photography: Joris Hilterman, SYZYGY Art Festival Maastricht