Artist and philosopher Amit Mediratta will launch his 13th collection of writings, Exile Songs and other Poems, in Charlie Byrne's Bookshop next week. The collection will gather together work previously published at his exhibition openings in limited quantity, and will be the first definitive edition of his early poetry - beautifully presented on vellum paper and hand-signed in silver ink. The title will be produced by Amit Mediratta Publications, the imprint established by the artist last year.
Exile Songs and other Poems opens with a series of writings originally addressed to a deceased friend and mentor as part of a number of correspondences following the latter's death. They comprise nostalgic reflections on the poet's adolescence and a subsequent transition to adulthood that engages with a probing, experimental search for value and purpose. Written in a style that is simultaneously romantic, satirical, and grotesque, Mediratta's writings dissolve the moral constraints of language to produce works that document an autobiographical account of a wanderer through existence. The result is a timeless collection that echoes the preoccupations of writers such as Swift, Blake, Nietzsche, and Hesse.
Born in Sligo in 1983 and of Indian origin, Mediratta has contributed to the arts in Galway through a prolific output of exhibitions and published collections. At present, he researches and teaches with the philosophy department at NUI Galway.
Exile Songs and other Poems will be launched at 6pm on Friday, August 30, and will be available for purchase at Charlie Byrne's and via all major online book retailers. The poet Michael Faherty will be the guest speaker at the launch. For more information, see www.amit-mediratta.com
