What is the difference between found poetry and blackout poetry? Both are forms of creative writing that involve manipulating existing text to create new poetry, but they differ in their approach and the techniques used. Found poetry is a broader category that encompasses various methods of selecting and rearranging text, while blackout poetry is a specific technique within the found poetry genre.
Found poetry is a literary art form where the poet takes existing text, such as a newspaper article, a book, or even a grocery list, and uses it as a source for creating new poetry. The poet can cut out words, phrases, or sentences from the original text and rearrange them to form new lines of poetry. This process can be as simple as rearranging words from a single sentence or as complex as creating a poem by piecing together multiple sources. The key element of found poetry is the transformation of the original text into a new work of art that retains the essence of the original while also adding the poet’s unique voice.
Blackout poetry, on the other hand, is a more specific technique within the found poetry genre. It involves using a black marker or pen to “black out” or cover up all the text on a page, except for the words or phrases that the poet wants to use in their poem. The poet typically starts with a page of text, such as a newspaper or magazine article, and then carefully covers up all the words that are not part of the poem. The remaining words, when read in the new arrangement, form the poem. This method is often used to create a visual effect, with the blacked-out text creating a stark contrast with the white space of the poem.
One of the main differences between found poetry and blackout poetry is the level of control the poet has over the original text. In found poetry, the poet has more freedom to select and rearrange text from various sources, allowing for a wider range of creative possibilities. Blackout poetry, however, is more restrictive, as the poet must work within the confines of the original text and the visual layout created by the blacked-out words.
Another difference lies in the aesthetic and emotional impact of the two forms. Found poetry can often convey a more subtle or layered meaning, as the poet has the opportunity to select and combine words from different sources to create a cohesive message. Blackout poetry, on the other hand, tends to be more stark and immediate, with the visual impact of the blacked-out text often adding a powerful emotional resonance to the poem.
In conclusion, while both found poetry and blackout poetry are creative forms that transform existing text into new poetry, they differ in their techniques and the level of control the poet has over the original text. Found poetry offers a broader range of creative possibilities, while blackout poetry provides a more focused and visually striking approach. Both forms can be powerful tools for poets looking to explore their creativity and convey their messages in unique ways.
