Conceptual writing, experimental poetry and humour

Abstract

Laughter is a physical manifestation or, as Jean-Luc Nancy wrote, it is "the body shaken with no way thought" (2008: 109). In a performance of conceptual poetry you hear as much laughter as in a stand-up comedy performance. However, in the academic world, conceptual writing has been treated mainly as a cerebral and intellectual exercise. Enthusiasts and critics alike often take conceptualist works too seriously.