New Interactive Poetry Installation Set to Launch in Charleston
Charleston poet Abby Duran is introducing a unique interactive poetry installation titled “A Mountain of Crumbled Candor” on April 1, 2026, in honor of National Poetry Month. The installation aims to provide the community with an opportunity for emotional release through the written word.
The project invites community members and visitors to anonymously express their feelings by writing confessions on paper, crumpling it up, and tossing it into a vase. As participation grows, the vase will fill with colored paper, symbolizing the collective emotional burdens that individuals carry.
Duran stated, “My goal is for us to exhale as a community.” She aims to facilitate a process of self-reflection and catharsis, allowing participants to confront and process their hidden emotions.
Participating locations include the Park Circle Community Building, Robert Lange Studios, Nidum Studios, and Redux Contemporary Art Center. Duran chose these art-focused venues to create environments that often evoke emotional responses, encouraging people to engage more deeply with their personal feelings.
Responses do not need to adhere to any poetic format, as Duran emphasizes the importance of honesty over skill. Participants will have the chance to read other crumpled responses, but the primary goal is personal catharsis rather than artistic expression.
At the close of the month, Duran plans to collect the written contributions and compile them into a book, which she hopes to publish later this year. This final product will serve as a testament to the shared experiences of the community over the duration of the installation.
Ann Simmons, deputy director of the North Charleston Cultural Arts Department, expressed her enthusiasm for the installation, noting its potential to attract a diverse audience. She indicated that the simplicity and accessibility of Duran’s project may enable individuals who typically feel intimidated by art to engage with it directly.
“There’s no expectations or anything to be nervous about, really. You’re just writing something down and putting it in the box,” Simmons remarked.
Why It Matters
This installation highlights the role of community art in facilitating emotional expression and social connectivity. By creating an accessible space for people to share their feelings, Duran’s project fosters communal healing and reflection, reinforcing the importance of emotional wellness in society.
