Something Close to Music

A collection of John Ashbery's poetry and art writings is paired with playlists of music from his personal library in this book, exploring how the three forms can illuminate and inform one another. His poetry is often described as ekphrastic, engaging with how the experience of seeing art offers ways of thinking about it.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 96 pages
Publication date: 12 May 2022
Publisher: David Zwirner

John Ashbery, a prolific poet and art critic, presents an intimate and unique collection in this book, pairing his poetry with art writings and accompanying playlists of music from his personal library. This captivating blend of words and visuals offers a profound exploration of artistic expression.

Ashbery's poetry, often characterized as ekphrastic, engages with the visual and musical experiences rather than directly basing itself on specific artworks or pieces of music. Instead, he delves into how the act of seeing and the artistic techniques employed offer new ways of thinking and perceiving the world.

Furthermore, his art writing provides valuable insights into interpreting his poetry. By examining his observations and interpretations of art, readers can gain a deeper understanding of the themes and motifs that resonate in Ashbery's poetic language.

The playlists included in this book serve as a testament to Ashbery's love for music and its influence on his creative process. The selected music from his personal library reflects the contemporary classical compositions he cherished, characterized by intricate textures, diverse sounds, and disjunct phrases. Similarly, Ashbery's poetry employs a range of poetic textures and abrupt turns, creating multiple narratives and pathways of meaning for the reader to explore.

This ekphrastic book project invites readers to embark on a journey of discovery, exploring how these three artistic forms can illuminate and inform one another. By engaging with the interplay between poetry, art writings, and music, readers are invited to appreciate the rich tapestry of artistic expression that John Ashbery has created.

Weight: 140g
Dimension: 178 x 108 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781644230701