John:
I'm sure that if someone asked Kaur to defend any of her outings as art, she might say, "But that's sincerely how I feel." And she would not be alone in her perspective.
...But it is my firm belief that what Kaur is "feeling" is self-obsession. In that regard, she is reflecting a multi-generational shift brought on by the superficial connection of the internet masquerading as experiential connection.
Thanks for the link Matt. It reinforces my skepticism.
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But there are pools of brightness in the darkness of the internet. Brian Bilston is one. Yes, he's "clever", glib, etc. but clearly thoughtful, observant.
There are also low-tech media that are advancing poetry into wider circles. While he was U.S. poet laureate Billy Collins started a campaign to bring poetry to the masses by posting it on buses, trains, billboards, etc.. He even established a "Poetry Channel" you could access on planes. He has also collaborated with visual artists/animators to bring some of his poetry to life on screen. Here's a batch:
https://youtu.be/ddw1_3ZVjTE
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