Author David Hernandez structures his fifth poetry compilation, “Hello I Must Be Going,” as a three-part display. The initial segment draws on artist Ed Ruscha’s “word paintings,” cleverly reinterpreting them in unexpected ways. The second part, titled “The Silent Docent,” presents a series of poems that indirectly approach crises like COVID and police violence by dissecting described landscape paintings in detail. The third and final section concludes the book with poems dedicated to admired artists such as Jean-Michel Basquiat, Ai Weiwei, Marina Abramović, and Raphael, whom Hernandez finds solace and inspiration from.
Through his organization of the book, Hernandez showcases how art can help us navigate the complexities of the world while simultaneously confronting its harsh realities. The poems within the collection explore themes of death, illness, social issues like climate change, violence, and political injustices. They urge readers to engage with these pressing concerns while valuing art and its mediating role between us and the stark truths of existence.
Hernandez’s poems emphasize the importance of attentive observation and appreciation for art as a means to provoke empathetic and humane responses. By drawing attention to dire subjects through the lens of artwork, the poems encourage imaginative reflection and contemplation, fostering a deeper connection with the depicted narratives. The book invites readers to engage thoughtfully with the portrayed scenes, prompting introspection and emotional involvement.
The collection highlights the power of visual art to evoke a range of emotions and insights beyond mere aesthetic pleasure. Hernandez explores how art can incite acts of defiance, moments of fleeting beauty, and opportunities for meaningful engagement. Through his poems, he shares his personal journey of finding solace and staying vigilant through artistic expression, offering readers a similar avenue for solace and introspection.
However, the poems also serve as a reminder that empathetic observation alone is insufficient in the face of suffering and injustice. Hernandez’s work challenges readers to confront discomfort and acknowledges the unsettling aspects of aesthetic exploration. The poems evoke feelings of unease and turmoil, urging readers to confront the harsh realities portrayed within the artwork and the world at large.
Overall, “Hello I Must Be Going” guides readers through a reflective and thought-provoking journey, urging them to not just passively witness but actively engage with the narratives presented. By blending art, empathy, and critical reflection, Hernandez crafts a collection that invites readers to confront difficult truths while finding moments of connection and contemplation within the realm of artistic expression.
