• CHRYSEE G. SAMILLANO
A book of poetry written by local poets from Bacolod City and other cities and municipalities in Negros Occidental, was recently launched at the Art Cove of Park Inn by Radisson Bacolod.
Titled “Hut;k” (silent cry), the book contains poems written by more than 30 poets, supported with the visual interpretation of artists.
The guest of honor at the opening was Dr. Orlando Canlas, who is also a visual artist.
Ryn Paul Gonzales, one of the poets, said the idea of producing a book on poetry “Hut;k” came up during the pandemic, in June 2020, amidst discussions at the Art District with Charlie Co, co-founder of Gallery Orange, on actions to take for visual artists and musicians, such as online exhibitions and concerts, in the midst of a dark or uncertain situation.
“However, a question lingered: what about the poets? It was Revo and I who pondered this question, realizing the need to support poets during these challenging times. So we decided to publish a collection of poetry to uplift and empower the poetic community. The next day, I returned to Charlie Co with the concept of publishing a booklet, and his enthusiastic support and financial pledge propelled us forward,” he said.
Gonzales said that since he and Yanson were primarily visual artists, they had no expertise on book publication. But they were able to assemble a creative team and embarked on their journey, united under the title hut;k – a name symbolizing a silent cry, with the semicolon serving as a reminder to persevere.
And during the Visual Arts Exhibition and Conference (Viva Excon) on November 8, 2020, still in the midst of the pandemic, they launched their first volume, with 30 poets contributing and eight visual artists, including Co.
“From its humble beginnings rooted in uncertainty, Hut;k has blossomed into a beacon of creativity and resilience, showcasing the power of collaboration and community. As we continue to navigate the ever-changing landscape of the creative world, hut;k remains steadfast in its mission to amplify the voices of poets and inspire hope through the written word,” Gonzales added.*
