Adrian Duncan: Engineering a New Type of Fiction
When Adrian Duncan’s writing first surfaced in the literary world, it sparked a mix of curiosity and bewilderment among readers. Works like Love Notes from a German Building Site and The Geometer Lobachevsky showcased a blend of unexpected elements and unconventional narratives, challenging the conventional boundaries of fiction.
However, Duncan did not set out to deliberately subvert expectations. In a recent video call from his Berlin home, he reflected on his works, saying, “Whatever it was, it was magnificent. It was as if a headline in these pages suggested, Duncan had engineered a new kind of fiction.” Despite his critical acclaim, Duncan admitted that his earlier work felt more conventional than it appeared from the outside.
The Multifaceted Career of Adrian Duncan
Duncan’s career spans three main streams: writing, filmmaking, and object creation. These diverse interests feed into his storytelling, creating a cohesive and innovative approach to literature. “I move between these three streams: writing a lot, making films, and then being in the studio and trying to make objects, drawings, whatever it might be,” he explained.
His writing career began as a side project during his fine art degree, where he took a course at the Irish Writers Centre under Texan writer Greg Baxter. This is where he developed his signature instinctive writing style, which he has maintained to this day.
The Intersection of Art, Literature, and Film
Duncan’s artworks and films exhibit recurring themes and ideas, intertwining with his written works. For instance, his 2016 film Bungalow Bliss and the 2022 non-fiction piece Little Republics: The Story of Bungalow Bliss share common subject matter. Another recent film, Lowland, won the Best Director award at the Cork International Film Festival.
Beyond filmmaking, Duncan also creates objects and drawings that serve as preparatory exercises for his literary works. Rather than exhibiting these pieces, he uses them as mental exercises, enhancing his thought process. As he puts it, “I make stuff because it helps produce thoughts I wouldn’t have if I was just sitting at my desk writing.”
The Gorgeous Inertia of the Earth: A Love Letter to Objects and Ideas
Duncan’s latest work, The Gorgeous Inertia of the Earth, is a novel that seamlessly integrates love, loss, and historical elements. The story is set across two distinct periods in the life of sculptor John Molloy, exploring themes of hesitancy and the interplay between objects and human emotions.
“Hesitancy, let’s say. That was definitely a big feeling.”
The book is infused with references to real-world objects, such as the Romantic-era poets’ sculpture in Arnimplatz, Berlin, which the author has been studying for over a decade. This sculpture also inspired a silent-film love story called Für Bettina, serving as a companion piece to the novel.
The Role of Religious Themes and Negative Space
Religious themes are integral to The Gorgeous Inertia of the Earth. Duncan mentions the influence of William James’s The Varieties of Religious Experience, particularly the concept of “the rind of consciousness.” This theme pervades the novel, exploring the courage needed to open oneself to prayer and faith.
“The idea that prayer would somehow dismantle or loosen that rind, to me seemed very plausible to this character.”
Negative space is another significant element in the novel. This literary device engages readers by prompting them to fill in the gaps between text blocks, much like completing the shape of a ruined sculpture.
From Initial Idea to Finished Product
Writing The Gorgeous Inertia of the Earth was a demanding process that spanned four years. Duncan recalls spending extended periods refining his work, grappling with material that didn’t immediately make sense. He emphasized the importance of persistence, stating, “If you stick at it and keep chiselling at it, these things start sort of turning towards you and telling you why they are there.”
Despite the challenges, Duncan delights in the journey of discovery that each project presents. This passion for storytelling and experimentation continues to inform his unique literary voice.
The Gorgeous Inertia of the Earth is published by Tuskar Rock on January 30th, offering readers a glimpse into an author who challenges traditional boundaries and invites them to engage with his work in new ways.
Engage with Adrian Duncan’s World
Duncan’s works are not just books; they are immersive experiences inviting readers to explore the nuances of his multidisciplinary approach to storytelling. From his novels to his films and object creations, Duncan invites readers to move beyond the page and into the world he has meticulously crafted.
Discover more about the author and his works. Share your thoughts on his unique storytelling style and the impact his work has on your reading experience. Let’s celebrate Adrian Duncan’s innovative contribution to literature and continue supporting his creativity.
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