'The Gathering Cloud' by J.R. Carpenter 

Internationally renowned artist J.R. Carpenter joins the University for a special online poetry reading

This February, the Humanities department at the University of Exeter’s Penryn campus are delighted to be joined by internationally renowned artist, writer, researcher, and performer J.R. Carpenter for a virtual public reading of a selection of her poetry works.  

British-Canadian J.R. Carpenter is a maker of maps, zines, books, poems, fiction, non-fiction, non-linear hypermedia narratives and computer-generated texts. Now living between Montreal and Plymouth, her work dynamically combines performance, print and digital media, and addresses colonialism and environmental crisis.  

Hosted in collaboration with Falmouth Art Gallery and supported by Arts and Culture at the University of Exeter, the event is part of an annual public series called ‘Diasporic Poetry Readings in Cornwall’, which provides opportunities for Humanities students at Penryn to connect with the public and learn from local curators, arts practitioners and small press publishers. Previous guests have included the former American Poet Laureate Natasha Trethewey, Scottish poet and Picador publisher Don Paterson, environmental poet Holly Corfield Carr, and American-born Anthony Caleshu, Professor of Poetry at the University of Plymouth.  

As well as reading a selection of her she will also be taking part in a short question and answer session hosted by Dr Natalie Pollard, Senior Lecturer in Modernist and Contemporary Literature at the University of Exeter and Henrietta Boex, Director of Cultural Services at Falmouth Art Gallery.  

J.R. Carpenter said, "much of my work over the past decade has been inspired by West Country coastlines so I'm delighted to be able to join the Penryn campus, albeit virtually, for this special public reading of a selection of my poetry."

Dr Natalie Pollard from the University of Exeter added, "we're so excited to host J.R. Carpenter at Penryn this year - to explore the exciting global and trans-local connections her work raises, as well as its exploration of the importance of decolonial creativity at a time of climate and ecological crisis. This will be a most timely event for colleagues, students, and the public."

‘Public Poetry Reading by J.R. Carpenter’ takes place on Zoom on Thursday 25^th February, between 5.30pm-6.30pm GMT. It is open to both students and staff as well as the general public. Places are limited so please register via Eventbrite by midday on Thursday 25^th February. Book a place here

Date: 4 February 2021