Archivio Conz

Vagn Steen (1928, Holbæk, Denmark. – 2016) was a Danish poet and writer, Steen is recognized as a pioneer of concrete poetry in Denmark, introducing innovative literary forms that challenged traditional structures. His notable works include "Digte?" (1964), "Riv Selv" (1965), and "Skriv Selv" (1965), which emphasized reader interaction and the visual aspects of text. These publications reflect his commitment to making literature more accessible and engaging. Throughout his career, Steen published numerous works, including "Et godt bogøje" (2009), "Klap lige chefen" (1999), and "Dette visitkort" (1993). He also exhibited visual poems and lectured internationally, contributing significantly to the Danish literary scene. He collaborated with Francesco Conz on La Livre – An Homage to Ezra Pound was a project by Francesco Conz, which he pursued from 1986 until one year before his death in 2009. Conz invited artists to participate in the workshops at the Brunnenburg castle, with a total of 59 artists taking part. Steen was featured in La Livre IX. Steen's experimental approach aligns with the broader avant-garde ethos of challenging artistic norms and encouraging audience participation. His innovative contributions to literature and his advocacy for accessible, playful writing have left a lasting impact on Danish poetry.