Sara Vanegas brings poetry to young people
In an effort to connect poetry with younger generations, the University of Azuay (UDA) and its Publishing House presented the collection “From dream to dream”, a project that brings together the poetic work of the prominent Cuenca writer Sara Vanegas Coveña.
Under the direction of editor Franklin Ordóñez, the compilation brings together eight volumes of the prolific work of the writer, who has dedicated her life to literature with a national and international career.
The collection, called “Magic Box,” marks a milestone in the way poetry is brought closer to students, demonstrating that it is not an unattainable genre, but rather a part of everyday life, as accessible as the music or videos they watch every day.
Sara Vanegas Coveña, PhD in Germanic Philology and Master in University Teaching, is known for her profound and philosophical poetry, often considered complex and hermetic. However, this interdisciplinary project seeks to break with that perception.
Format
One of the innovative aspects is the format. Unlike traditional anthologies, this collection is not limited to presenting texts, but incorporates illustrations by designer Edgar Reyes and digital resources accessible through QR codes. These allow the reader to access interviews, videos, music and other paratexts that complement the literary experience.
Reyes commented that this process was a creative challenge that involved various techniques, such as pencil, ink, digital oil and photography, each selected to dialogue with the theme of each volume.
The eight volumes cover diverse themes ranging from love, cities, animals, to the desert and the sea. Each book is designed so that young readers can find a personal connection and appreciate art in a close way.
Vanegas pointed out that poetry has been relegated in the classroom, leaving the spotlight to prose and stories. With this “Magic Box”, the aim is to reverse this trend and put poetry at the centre of the literary education of adolescents.
Workplace Mediation
To achieve this goal, reading mediation will be applied. The UDA began this process with the “La Asunción” Educational Unit, and teachers were trained to guide students in this way of approaching poetry. The editor, Franklin Ordóñez, indicated that teachers are the mediators between the text and the young people, explaining formal aspects of Vanegas’ work, such as his disruptive style and the use of indentations and unconventional syntax, which could confuse unfamiliar readers.
The University of Azuay Publishing House celebrates its 20th anniversary. “From dream to dream” was presented as part of the celebration.
"The expectation is to generate new audiences and encourage young people to access the work of prominent poets," said the professor.
The writer expressed her joy and satisfaction. “This is the first time that a project of this kind has been done in the country and I am very happy that it is with my work,” she said.
The presentation of “From Dream to Dream” took place last Thursday at the UDA library. Authorities, teachers, administrative staff and students attended; as well as authorities and students from different schools in the city and the general public.
At the event, attendees visited the exhibition of Edgar Reyes' illustrations at the UDA library.
path
In recognition of her literary career, the UDA awarded Sara Vanegas Coveña the Silver Feather, in its second edition, an award reserved for the most outstanding authors.
In the first edition, the Silver Pen was awarded to the literary critic, philologist and university professor, Oswaldo Encalada Vásquez.