Archivio Conz

Adriano Spatola (1941, Šapjane, Croatia – 1988, Sant'Ilario d’Enza,Italy) was an Italian poet, performance artist, and publisher, born in Šapjane (then part of Italy, now Croatia). He was a key figure in avant-garde literature, particularly in experimental, concrete, and sound poetry. His work often merged textual, visual, and auditory elements, redefining poetry as a multisensory experience. Spatola was actively engaged in the international avant-garde movement, collaborating with various artists and writers who sought to expand the limits of literary expression. He co-founded and edited influential literary magazines such as "Tam Tam" and "Baobab", both dedicated to experimental writing. He also directed the Geiger Editions, a publishing house that supported radical poetry and visual experimentation. Among his most significant works are "Verso la poesia totale" (Towards Total Poetry, 1978), a critical exploration of experimental poetry; "Majakovskiiiiiiiij" (1971), a poetic homage to the Russian futurist; and "La composizione del testo" (1978), a work blending text and imagery in innovative ways. His poetry frequently incorporated typographic and visual elements, pushing the boundaries between literature and the visual arts. His experimental approach to poetry and his dedication to expanding literary expression have left a lasting impact on avant-garde literature, influencing later generations of poets and artists who work at the intersection of text, sound, and image.