Experience the Power of Poetry: 4 Artists to Follow
Recently I had the opportunity to attend one of Rupi Kaur’s performances in Manhattan. I was completely enthralled listening to her and it was one of my favorite events that I attended in 2022. If you haven’t had the opportunity to read or consume any of Rupi’s work I strongly encourage you to check her out. She is a beloved poet and artist whose work touches the hearts of readers and viewers around the world. Her words and art explore themes of love, loss, femininity, and healing with grace and tenderness, inviting you to connect with your own emotions and experiences. Her debut poetry collection, "Milk and Honey," was a New York Times bestseller. In addition to her writing and art, Kaur is also a passionate advocate for body positivity and mental health. You can find more of Kaur's work on her website (https://www.rupikaur.com/) and follow her on TikTok (https://www.tiktok.com/@rupikaur_), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/rupikaur_/), and Twitter (https://twitter.com/rupikaur_).
If you enjoy Kaur's work, you may also appreciate the following artists:
Nayyirah Waheed: Like Rupi Kaur, Nayyirah Waheed is a poet and artist who explores themes of love, loss, identity, and healing through her work. Her poetry is often short and powerful, with a focus on the experiences and emotions of marginalized communities. You can find more of Waheed's work on her website (https://www.nayyirahwaheed.com/) and follow her on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/nayyirah.waheed/), TikTok (https://www.tiktok.com/@nayyirah.waheed), and Twitter (https://twitter.com/nayyirahwaheed).
Nikita Gill: Nikita Gill is a British-Indian writer and artist whose work deals with themes of feminism, self-love, and social justice. Her poetry and prose often take the form of myths, fairy tales, and legends, and are known for their vivid imagery and emotional depth. You can find more of Gill's work on her website (https://www.nikita-gill.com/) and follow her on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/nikita_gill/), TikTok (https://www.tiktok.com/@nikita_gill), and Twitter (https://twitter.com/nktgill).
Yrsa Daley-Ward: Yrsa Daley-Ward is a British poet, model, and author whose work explores themes of identity, race, gender, and mental health. Her poetry is often raw, honest, and evocative, and has won acclaim for its ability to capture the complexity and nuance of the human experience. You can find more of Daley-Ward's work on her website (https://www.yrsa-daley-ward.com/) and follow her on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/yrsadaleyward/), TikTok (https://www.tiktok.com/@yrsadaleyward), and Twitter (https://twitter.com/yrsadaleyward).
New to the world of poetry? Here are a few places I recommend if you’re looking for something outside of the ordinary.
The Nuyorican Poets Cafe: This legendary East Village venue has been a staple of the New York City poetry scene for decades, hosting a wide range of events including open mics, slams, and featured readings.
Bowery Poetry Club: Located in the Lower East Side, the Bowery Poetry Club is another popular venue for spoken word poetry readings, featuring a mix of established and emerging poets.
The Greenlight Bookstore: This independent bookstore in Brooklyn hosts regular poetry readings and events, and is a great place to discover new voices in the world of poetry.
The Strand Bookstore: The Strand is a well-known bookstore in Manhattan that frequently hosts poetry readings and other literary events.
The Poetry Project at St. Mark's Church: Located in the East Village, the Poetry Project is a non-profit organization that promotes the art of poetry and hosts a variety of events, including open mics, readings, and workshops.