Ilya Kaminsky Quotes

Poet
Ukraine
1977

Ilya Kaminsky is a Ukrainian-born American poet, translator, and professor. He was born in Odessa in 1977 and moved to the United States with his family in 1993. Kaminsky’s work often explores themes of displacement, identity, and language. His debut collection, “Dancing in Odessa,” was published in 2004 and received critical acclaim, earning him the Whiting Award, the American Academy of Arts and Letters’ Metcalf Award, and the Dorset Prize. He has also published a collection of essays, “A God in the House: Poets Talk About Faith,” and has translated works by Russian and Polish poets. Kaminsky currently teaches at San Diego State University and lives in San Diego with his wife and daughter.Read Less

But in the secret history of anger–one man’s silence / lives in the bodies of others. Feraz Zeid, December 23, 2023, Ilya Kaminsky, Secret, Silence, 0

- Ilya Kaminsky

Poet

· Ukraine

Time, my twin, take me by the hand through the streets of your city Feraz Zeid, December 23, 2023, Ilya Kaminsky, Cities, Hands, Twins, 0

- Ilya Kaminsky

Poet

· Ukraine

Ilya Kaminsky Career Highlights

Kaminsky’s first book of poetry, “Dancing in Odessa,” was published in 2004 and received numerous awards, including the Whiting Writer’s Award, the American Academy of Arts and Letters’ Metcalf Award, and the Dorset Prize.
In 2008, Kaminsky was awarded a Lannan Foundation Fellowship, which recognizes writers of exceptional talent.
His second book, “Deaf Republic,” was published in 2019 and was a finalist for the National Book Award and the National Book Critics Circle Award.
Kaminsky’s work has been translated into over 20 languages and has been featured in prestigious publications such as The New Yorker, The New York Times, and Poetry Magazine.
He has received fellowships and grants from organizations such as the Guggenheim Foundation, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the Poetry Foundation.

Key Contributions by Ilya Kaminsky

Kaminsky’s poetry often explores themes of displacement, loss, and the power of language. As a deaf poet, he also incorporates elements of sign language and deaf culture into his work.
He is known for his unique and innovative use of form, often incorporating elements of music and performance into his poetry.
Kaminsky is also a highly regarded translator, having translated the works of Russian and Eastern European poets such as Anna Akhmatova, Marina Tsvetaeva, and Polina Barskova.
He is a passionate advocate for poetry and has taught at numerous universities and writing programs, including the University of Georgia, San Diego State University, and the Michener Center for Writers.

What Sets Ilya Kaminsky Apart

Kaminsky’s personal experiences as a refugee and a deaf person have greatly influenced his writing and have given him a unique perspective on the world.
His ability to seamlessly blend different languages and cultures in his work sets him apart from other poets.
Kaminsky’s work is often described as both lyrical and political, as he uses poetry as a means to address social and political issues.

Takeaways

Ilya Kaminsky’s career highlights and contributions have solidified his place as one of the most influential and talented poets of his generation.
His work serves as a reminder of the power of language and the importance of using it to give voice to marginalized communities.
Kaminsky’s unique background and perspective make his poetry a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the complexities of identity and the human experience.

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