VOUW's Poem Booth Captivates at Leipzig Buchmesse as Part of Dutch Delegation

From March 21st to 24th, 2024, the Leipzig Buchmesse was a hub of literary innovation, marked by the presence of the Netherlands and Flanders as the guest countries. Among the highlights was VOUW's Poem Booth, an interactive installation that turned heads at the Messegelände and Schaubühne Lindenfels.

Under the theme “Alles außer flach,” the Dutch delegation showcased interdisciplinary projects that went beyond traditional book presentations. They introduced audiences to new forms of digital literature, transcending boundaries and redefining reader interactions.

The Poem Booth, developed by VOUW founders Mingus Vogel and Justus Bruns, was a standout. It uses the revolutionary power of artificial intelligence, specifically ChatGPT, to create instant poetic portraits. Visitors were fascinated by the simplicity of the process: press a button, and the AI composes a unique poem based on its 'view', which could then be shared via a QR code.

Poet Maarten Inghels was brought on to fine-tune the AI’s poetic output, ensuring that the verses resonated with both artistic depth and personal touch. A particular highlight at the Buchmesse was the involvement of visitors in playful and creative ways, such as a girl performing a handstand in front of the Poem Booth, reflecting the installation's broad appeal. The booth drew consistent lines of attendees, enhanced by the simultaneous Comic Con event, adding a lively and festive atmosphere.

This year's Buchmesse also served as the German premiere of the Poem Booth, establishing numerous connections and showcasing the potential of poetry in the age of technology. The success of the Poem Booth at the Buchmesse underscores the increasing relevance of integrating technology with the arts to engage contemporary audiences effectively.

The success of the Poem Booth at Leipzig Buchmesse not only entertained and inspired but also emphasized the privacy of the interaction, making it a personal and memorable experience for each visitor.

Interested in Poem Booth? read more at poembooth.com