szemmtéten

Szemmtéten is a Hungarian term that translates literally to "eye-writing" or "writing for the eyes." It generally refers to a form of visual poetry or concrete poetry where the arrangement of words and letters on the page is as important as the words themselves. The visual form of the text often reflects or enhances the meaning of the poem.

This type of poetry emerged in the early 20th century, drawing inspiration from movements like Futurism and Dadaism. The goal of szemmtéten is to create a multi-layered experience for the reader, engaging both their intellect and their sense of sight. The shape or pattern formed by the words might depict an object, an emotion, or a concept, making the poem a visual as well as a linguistic entity.

Hungarian poets have explored szemmtéten throughout the 20th and 21st centuries, incorporating it into various literary traditions. The practice emphasizes the materiality of language and the potential for typography and layout to contribute to poetic expression. It challenges traditional notions of how poetry should be read and interpreted, inviting a more active and multimodal engagement from the audience. The visual impact is paramount, often taking precedence over conventional narrative or lyrical structures.