This season's prompt was open to Latinx artists to respond to the poem, “Changes of Name”
by Chilean poet, Nicanor Parra, or to the theme of changing names.
Responses to this prompt are a reflection of each artist’s interpretation.
Click on the pieces below to read more about the artwork's connection to this theme and the artists behind them.
CHANGES OF NAME
To the lovers of beautiful letters
I extend my best wishes
I am going to change the names of a few things.
My position is this:
The poet does not fulfill his word
Unless he changes the names of things.
For what reason has the sun
Always been called the sun?
I say call it Pussy Cat
The one with forty league boots!
My shoes look like coffins?
From here on out
Shoes are going to be called coffins.
Communicate it, note it down, and publish it
That shoes have changed name:
From now on they will be called coffins.
Well, the night is long
Every poet who considers himself such
Should have their own dictionary
And before I forget
God himself has to change names
That every individual names him what they want:
That is a personal problem.
Poem translation by Suzanna Geisel-Zamora
CONTRIBUTING ARTISTS
Adam Intriago
Angel Perdomo
Dusty Santamaria
Karla Rojas
Poncili Creacion
Santiago Castro