Exploring the intersections of Zen Buddhism in America, Japanese aesthetics, and the American poetic tradition, Veronika Yadukha delves into Richard Brautigan’s countercultural poetry through transmedial translation, examining his work beyond literary interpretation. Initially perceived as eclectic and whimsical, Brautigan’s poetry reveals a complex interplay of influences, combining the countercultural spirit of the American ‘60s and ‘70s with European absurdism and elements of Zen Buddhism. His engagement with the American poetic tradition is evident in his dialogue with poets, including Emily Dickinson and William Carlos Williams.

A key aspect of Brautigan’s poetry is his unconventional use of language—abrupt shifts in imagery, spontaneity, and simplicity—creating a sense of immediacy and unpredictability. While his work does not explicitly reference Zen Buddhism, its principles are reflected in his approach: a focus on the present moment, an absence of rigid structures, and an embrace of spontaneity and humor.

As part of her research, Veronika Yadukha created a series of 25 ceramic cups as transmedial translations of 25 Brautigan’s poems. This project attempts to develop methods of transmedial translation suited for transposing multiple elements of poetry into ceramic form. By working within this medium, Veronika researches how poetic expression can be reinterpreted through material and sensory experience.

This exhibition invites the audience into a tactile, immersive experience—reading both the source and translated texts while engaging in the ritual of tea drinking, transforming poetry into a sensorial dialogue.

The project was supported by the Mellon Foundation and the Beyond the New Normal: Disability, Literature, and Reimagining Social Justice project.

The exhibition was presented at the Weiss Center for the Arts at Dickinson College (Carlisle, PA, USA) in November 2023.

Posters for the exhibition: Polina Stohnushko