On November 7th, MCLA students and faculty, as well as the public of North Adams, gathered for an lecture by Anaïs Duplan (he/they) at the MOSAIC Event Space, located at 49 Main Street in North Adams.
The lecture, titled “What Lies at the Intersection of Land Ownership and Documentary Poetics” delved into the intricate relationship between land ownership, citizenship, and the evolution of documentary poetic storytelling.
Documentary poetics, a blend of poetic narrative and fact-based documentation, serves as a tool for historic relearning and challenges traditional notions of objective storytelling.
In his presentation, Duplan argued that land ownership and citizenship have fundamentally shaped the landscape of contemporary documentary poetics. Using the history of Los Angeles during the Watts Rebellion of the 1960s as a central thread, Duplan illustrated how these factors influence the way stories are told and remembered.
Duplan, a transgender poet, curator, and artist, brought a unique perspective to the discussion with his extensive background in postcolonial literature. As the author of acclaimed works such as “I NEED MUSIC” (Action Books, 2021) and “Blackspace: On the Poetics of an Afrofuture” (Black Ocean, 2020), Duplan has established himself as a pivotal figure in contemporary literary and artistic circles. Currently a professor at Bennington College, his expertise in documentary poetics and historical narratives provided attendees with a profound understanding of the subject matter.
Duplan is a pioneering voice in contemporary nonfiction and art, and he has been recognized with several prestigious awards for his contributions to literature and visual storytelling.
In 2021, Duplan was awarded the QUEER|ART|PRIZE for Recent Work, cementing his impact within LGBTQ+ creative communities. In 2022, he was honored with the Whiting Award in Nonfiction, a distinction celebrated for identifying emerging talent in literature. That same year, he received the Black Visionaries Award from Instagram and the Brooklyn Museum, recognizing his work that amplifies Black voices and visionary art. This collection of accolades reflects Duplan’s dedication to exploring themes of identity, land ownership, and cultural memory through multidisciplinary work.
The lecture at the MOSAIC Event Space was part of the “Politics of the Visual” series for 2024-25, organized by Dr. Victoria Papa and supported by Hardman Special Initiatives and MOSAIC. This series aims to explore the political dimensions of visuality and representation, examining power structures of looking, and the phenomena of spectacle.
Duplan’s presentation fit right in, offering critical insights into how visual narratives are constructed and their implications for contemporary society.
The lecture was particularly impactful, aligning with the college’s commitment to interdisciplinary exploration and critical thinking. The discussion provided valuable perspectives on media and storytelling’s influence on public understanding of historical and social issues. Attendees were encouraged to engage with the material through interactive discussions, fostering a deeper appreciation for the role of documentary poetics in shaping collective memory and identity.
During their lecture, Duplan also highlighted the importance of integrating diverse voices and perspectives in documentary storytelling to create more inclusive and accurate historical records. They urged students and attendees to consider how their own narratives and creative endeavors can contribute to a more nuanced and equitable portrayal of history.
As the evening concluded, Duplan offered resources for further exploration and advocacy, emphasizing that education and active participation are crucial steps toward addressing the systemic issues surrounding land ownership and representation in media.
Attendees left with a heightened awareness of the power dynamics at play in documentary storytelling and the responsibility of creators to foster truthful and empathetic narratives.
With events like this, MOSAIC Event Space continues to serve as a vital hub for cultural and academic engagement at MCLA, supporting the college’s mission to enrich the local community and empower students through thought-provoking and meaningful experiences.
For future lectures and events in the “Politics of the Visual” series, MCLA students and community members are encouraged to visit the MOSAIC Event Space and participate actively in discussions that shape our understanding of visual representation and its impact on society.
