Ashbery

Ashbery refers to John Ashbery, a highly influential American poet, critic, and editor. Born in Rochester, New York, in 1927, Ashbery became a central figure in the post-World War II American poetry scene. He is often associated with the New York School of poets, a group that embraced experimentalism, urban life, and a blend of high and low culture in their work.

Ashbery's poetry is known for its complex syntax, challenging vocabulary, and often elusive meaning. His poems frequently employ surrealism, stream of consciousness, and a conversational tone that can shift unexpectedly. Themes of memory, identity, the nature of art, and the passage of time are recurrent in his extensive body of work. He was a prolific writer, publishing over twenty collections of poetry throughout his career.

His critical work also played a significant role in shaping contemporary literary discourse. Ashbery served as a critic for various publications, including *Art News* and *Newsweek*, offering insightful commentary on both poetry and visual arts. He also held professorships at several universities, including Brooklyn College and Bard College, where he mentored generations of writers. Ashbery received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to literature, including the Pulitzer Prize, the National Book Award, and the National Medal of Arts. He passed away in 2017.