Visceral: The Poetry of Blood

In 2015, Welsh poet RJ Arkhipov wrote a series of poems using his own blood as ink to protest the blood donor ban on men who have sex with men. Five years later, the policy was lifted, and Zuleika is republishing the poems in a new paperback edition with illustrations by French artist Fabien Ghernati. Visceral is an exploration of our life essence, focusing on the many meanings of blood through the lenses of abjection, ancestry, faith, intimacy, mortality, and stigma. Arkhipov's evocation of the LGBT experience highlights the intersection of blood with sex, love, and shame in the community.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 108 pages
Publication date: 14 June 2021
Publisher: Zuleika

In 2015, Welsh poet RJ Arkhipov garnered international acclaim for his powerful protest against the blood donor ban on men who have sex with men. This discriminatory policy, which had been in place for five years, was finally lifted in the midst of a pandemic, marking a significant milestone in LGBTQ+ rights. To commemorate this occasion, Zuleika is republishing Arkhipov's blood poems in a new paperback edition, accompanied by illustrations by French artist Fabien Ghernati. Titled "Visceral," this collection explores the essence of life through the lens of blood, inviting readers to contemplate its many meanings and implications.

Arkhipov's constrained and concrete poems encourage readers to pause and reflect on the diverse meanings of blood, encompassing abjection, ancestry, faith, intimacy, mortality, and stigma. The book's thematic organs showcase the omnipresent beat of blood in our languages and cultures, highlighting the intersection of blood with sex, love, and shame within the LGBTQ+ community.

Arkhipov's evocation of the LGBT experience, in particular, sheds light on the complex interplay between blood, sexuality, and identity within this community. His poetry explores the intersections of blood, love, and shame, challenging societal norms and promoting empathy and understanding.

Through "Visceral," Arkhipov continues to inspire and challenge readers, reminding us of the power of poetry to evoke emotions, provoke thought, and advocate for change. His unwavering commitment to social justice and his bold use of blood as a medium make him a true visionary in the world of literature.

Weight: 116g
Dimension: 128 x 198 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781838032487
Edition number: 2 ed