John McConnochie has set an international gold standard for
asemantic (aka asemic, abstract calligraphy) constructs due to his creative
leadership at the New Postliterates group on Facebook: The largest digital
community of asemic writers in the universe.
On the cover of Visual Poetry is a circular work: suggesting a cycle. The remainder of the contents is 15 (vaguely) sonnet-like structures that move through a stunningly diverse array of variations and styles.
I find "reading" these poems is similar to the experience of reading a particularly moving lyric cycle. Perhaps you will approach the book from a different perspective. I hope my lyric cycle concept can serve as a beacon for those who lose their way in the forest of signs.
If John McConnochie is associated with the Neo-Abstract Expressionist bent emanating from the Postliterates, then Visual Poetry is a corrective. The collection reveals depth and skill far beyond the range of most postlits and glitchers. In all the upheavals of the Asemic Movement, I believe we have overlooked John McConnochie as a guiding talent.
For me a great achievement of Visual Poetry is its mastery of textuality and lyricism in addition to McConnochie’s abilities as a visual artist. The book has literary sophistication, subtle emotional nuances and extraordinary lyricism. Do not miss it!
