neckbone: visual verses

by Avery R. Young, Theaster Gates (Contributor)

The “blk alter” of Avery R. Young’s poetic vision makes its stunning debut in a multidisciplinary arsenal entitled, visual verses . Young’s years of supernatural fieldwork within the black experience and the gospel of his transitions between poetry, art and music, become the stitch, paint brush, metaphor, and narrative of arresting visual metaphors of childhood teachings and traumas, identity, and the personal reverence of pop culture’s beauty and beast. A mastermind in a new language of poetry, that engages and challenges readers to see beyond the traditional spaces poems are shaped and exist, Young’s neckbone extends tentacles in literature, art, and activism--redefining the collective and the sermon of the “blk” experience.  
 

Genres: Poetry

160 pages, Hardcover

First published June 15, 2019

Reviews

[Kimberley · Rating 2 out of 5]

The cover is gorgeous and the concept was interesting but this “read” like an art installation and the dialect—chosen to convey the frustration the author has towards racism and living within a society where he is considered “other”—was a distraction.

I wanted to like this but it’s not as accessible as I imagined it would be and left me feeling disconnected, at times, as it often seemed as if Young were making it up as he went along.

Perhaps, as a coffee table book, or maybe as the impetus for a discussion on the ways we are able to express ourselves visually, this book is a perfect choice. But, as a selection for the lay reader, it’s a tough add.

Overall, it was okay, but I would hesitate to recommend it to anyone.

[Khepre · Rating 1 out of 5]

Nonsensical and N word bombs. This collection didn’t make any sense and the old southern Missouri dialect did not help the book case at all. This book had art paired with words that clash and did not blend. Not a fun reading experience.

[Jasminum Mcmullen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everything I ever wanted in a book.

[Nick Moran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extraordinary. Unlike anything I've read.

[Jes · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a masterpiece.

[Patricia McMillen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Avante garde Black Chicago poetry at its finest.