The poets, led by one of Italy’s most popular and famous artist’s, Marco Nereo Rotelli, are coming to Northwestern University. Mr. Rotelli, who is best known for his stunning light installations at landmarks across Europe, such as the Arc de Triomphe and the Petit Palais in Paris and the Venice Biennale, promises to create another splendid spectacle. On Tuesday, March 12, the University’s historic Deering Library will be transformed into a luminous page of poetry, a projection of the work of eight Chicago poets. Inside the library the featured poets will read their poems (about trees) while accompanied by a musical score inspired by the sounds of nature. Students and guests will be invited to contribute to the performance in “The Poetry Way” by writing poems on a long scroll that will be rolled out at the event.
The poetry reading and light installation will be preceded by Mr. Rotelli's open studio exhibition, “Languages of the World.” As the current Kaplan Artist in Residence at the University, Mr. Rotelli has been invited to the campus for a quarter-long residency. Those who visit his Northwestern studio will enjoy an overview of his wondrously imaginative works including: highlights from the artist’s “Videolanguage” series; “Diary,” a pictorial diary dedicated to the light off Lake Michigan; and “Enigma,” the blueprints for his upcoming (June 24, 2013) light installation on Chicago’s Field Museum. In his installations Mr. Rotelli explores the relationship between art and other branches of learning, especially poetry.
Participating Chicago Poets in the light installation and reading are: Ana Castillo, Reginald Gibbons, Arica Hilton, Parneshia Jones, Elise Paschen, Ed Roberson, Jennifer Scapettone, and Rachel Webster. The poetry reading was curated by Arica Hilton. All events are free and open to the public and held at the Evanston Campus of Northwestern University. The open studio exhibit runs from 5-5:45 p.m. at the Kaplan Artist in Residence Studio, Kresge 1-410, 1880 Campus Drive. The light installation, reading, and “The Poetry Way” takes place from 6-7 p.m. at the Charles Deering Library at 1935 Sheridan Road.
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