Six selected poets will perform new work inspired by the art of J.M.W. Turner. Turner, whose visually stunning, heart-pounding exploration of the struggle with darkness came out of mastering light. This event complements the exhibition J.M.W. Turner: Painting Set Free, which is on view until May 24, 2015.
Saturday Nights at the Getty: Year without a Summer: Poetry for J.M.W. features new original poems by actress and author Amber Tamblyn, whose latest book of poetry, Dark Sparkler, was hailed by LA Weekly as “a dark and vital masterpiece”. Also, on the bill are Derrick Brown, a performance poet known for his fiery visual metaphors, who received the Texas Book of the Year Award in 2014 for his latest collection, Our Poison Horse; Anis Mojgani, known for his dreamy verse, who has published several best-selling books of poetry, including the incredible The Feather Room; Idris Goodwin, an award-winning poet playwright and rapper who pushes the boundaries of modern language, including his groundbreaking book of poems, These are The Breaks; Cristin O’Keefe Aptowicz the New York Times bestselling author of The Year of No Mistakes, a deeply inspiring collection of love poems, and Mindy Nettifee who was nominated for The Push Cart Prize for her poetry, which includes the haunting and empowering Rise of the Trust Fall.
Nick Thorburn, frontman for the indie rock band Islands and composer behind the acclaimed NPR podcast Serial, will perform with the poets, presenting lush, vibrant original music. Magic Castle magician Rob Zabrecky will cleanse palettes between poets with magic acts sure to take your breath away. The evening will be hosted by award-winning poet and comedian Brendan Constantine.
Saturday Nights at the Getty is a free contemporary performance series. Most recently featured in the series were ethereal singer Julianna Barwick and Light, Paper, Process: Reinventing Photography artist Matthew Brandt.
Saturday Nights at the Getty: Year without a Summer: Poetry for J.M.W. Turner is presented Saturday, May 2, 2015, at 7:30pm at the Getty Center in the Harold M. Williams Auditorium. Tickets are free, but reservations are recommended. Call 310 440–7300 or reserve online.