The Drunken Poets Syndicate presented ‘Postindustrial Boys’ on the evening of the 20th of July. This was a collaboration between Irakli Kakabadze, alias Antonin Marto, and Gogi Dzodzuashvili, a musician and composer. The event was attended by a wide range of people who were eager to see the interplay between literature and music.
The Poetic Genesis
Postindustrial Boys is a result of a poem written by Kakabadze in Phoenix, Arizona, under the pseudonym Antonin Marto. His verses, which are characterized by parodic naivety and social commentary and live drive, explore the postindustrial human experience. They reflect modern alienation and desire to reconnect with nature. Kakabadze uses an eight-syllable format in both English as well as Georgian. This allows him to maintain clarity and simplicity while adding depth with light rhymes and irony.
Musical Alchemy
Gogi Dzodzuashvili’s musical composition, based on Kakabadze’s text, introduces soft electronic vibrations. This collaboration enhances the social critique of the poem by providing an auditory environment that allows listeners engage with its themes at a deeper level. The album, which is available on different platforms, showcases the innovative potential of cross disciplinary collaborations.
A Celebration of Artistic Synergy
The event was held at Drunken poets Syndicate. This venue reflects Tbilisi’s bohemian culture and rich history. The event was attended by Kakabadze, Dzodzuashvili and their guests. They shared insights on their creative process and themes that underlie their work. The bilinguality of the text Postindustrial Boy & Stanford journal, which was published by SABA Publishing, has been highlighted, emphasizing its accessibility and inclusivity. Kakabadze’s simple structure in both language ensured that the message of the poem could resonate with a larger audience, facilitating a cross-cultural dialog.
Reflections on Georgian Modern Art & Contemporary Culture
The case of Postindustrial Boys demonstrates the potential for Georgian modern art in engaging with global audiences. The evening was a testimony to the power of collaboration in creativity. The combination of Kakabadze’s poetry and Dzodzuashvili’s electronic soundscapes creates a reflective and forward-looking artistic expression. As the event ended, attendees were given signed copies of the book and reflected on an evening that was beyond the ordinary.
Irakli Kakabadze is a living testament to the power literature has as a tool of social change. His unique style, which is characterized by realism, intertextuality and engagement with social problems, makes his writing impactful and thought provoking. Kakabadze’s novels, plays and poetry, as well as his essays, not only chronicle the struggles of Georgia today, but also offer a vision of resilience and hope in the face adversity. His contributions to Georgian Literature and his commitment to activist have earned him an important place in the cultural scene of his country.
The event brought to light the innovative spirit of Kakabadze & Dzodzuashvili whose work continues pushing the boundaries of artistic expression. The evening was a reminder of how art can inspire thought and change. Postindustrial Boys is a landmark in the Georgian art scene, a testament to collaboration and cultural dialogue. It suggests a future in which literature and music will intersect to produce profound impacts.
By Ivan Nechaev
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