Breaking Lines | Estorick Collection
The Estorick Collection kicks off 2025 with an inspiring exploration of experimental poetry, a movement that reshaped the relationship between words, visuals, and sound. This journey takes visitors through the radical innovations of Italian Futurism and the groundbreaking contributions of Dom Sylvester Houédard, a key figure in post-war British poetry.
The Poetry of Italian Futurism: Words in Motion
Italian Futurism, often celebrated for its impact on the visual arts, owes its foundation to poetry. Filippo Tommaso Marinetti, a poet and visionary, spearheaded the movement, encouraging fellow writers to revolutionize language itself. The Futurists sought to amplify the expressive power of words, experimenting with visual and sonic elements to push the boundaries of traditional poetry.
The exhibition’s first section delves into these phases of Futurist poetry, showcasing rare treasures like Fortunato Depero’s iconic Depero futurista – famously known as the “bolted book.” Visitors can also explore pivotal manifestos from the Estorick archives and historic publications such as L’Italia futurista. These materials capture the dynamism of the era and illustrate how Futurist ideas rippled through an international network of avant-garde creatives.
Dom Sylvester Houédard: The Master of Concrete Poetry
Complementing this historical journey is a spotlight on Dom Sylvester Houédard (1924–1992), a Benedictine monk whose work bridged the worlds of literature, visual art, and spirituality. Houédard is celebrated as a pioneer of concrete poetry, a genre that transcends the traditional constraints of written language by using the arrangement of words and letters as a visual medium.
More than a poet, Houédard was a thinker, theologian, and collaborator, working with influential figures like Yoko Ono, John Cage, and Gustav Metzger. His unique approach to creativity and philosophy profoundly influenced both British and international experimental poetry, leaving a legacy that continues to inspire.
A Celebration of Innovation
This dual exhibition at the Estorick Collection not only highlights the innovative spirit of Futurism and Houédard but also invites visitors to reflect on how words can transcend their conventional roles. Whether through the thunderous energy of Futurist manifestos or the meditative compositions of concrete poetry, these works challenge and expand our understanding of language, creativity, and art.
Visit the Estorick Collection to immerse yourself in the revolutionary world of experimental poetry—a space where words come alive in unexpected ways.
Breaking Lines is now open to 11 May 2025.
Header: Carlo Carra, ‘Atmospheric Swirls – A Burning Shell’, 1914 Courtesy Estorick Collection