Edwin Madrid (Quito, 1961) is an Ecuadorian poet, essayist, and editor known for his impressive body of work comprising 14 poetry books. Arising from the influential literary workshops led by Miguel Donoso Pareja in the 1980s, Madrid has emerged as one of the most notable poets of his generation. Currently serving as the director of the writing workshops at the House of Ecuadorian Culture, he plays a pivotal role in mentoring and nurturing the next generation of poets in Ecuador. Madrid’s deep involvement in the poetry community extends to organizing gatherings, recitals, and even running a publishing house. His poetic prowess has earned him recognition and awards both within Ecuador and internationally. With translations of his work available in multiple languages, including English, Portuguese, German, French, Arabic, and Italian, Madrid’s poetic voice has resonated with readers around the globe.
Edwin Madrid: A Brief Introduction
Edwin Madrid is an Ecuadorian poet, essayist, and editor who has made significant contributions to the poetry community in Ecuador. Born in Quito, Ecuador, in 1961, Madrid has emerged as one of the notable poets from the literary workshops led by Miguel Donoso Pareja in the 1980s. With an extensive body of work consisting of 14 poetry books and an unpublished novel, Madrid’s poetry has gained recognition both within Ecuador and internationally.
Director of Writing Workshops: House of Ecuadorian Culture
Madrid plays a vital role in the development of aspiring young poets as the current director of the writing workshops of the House of Ecuadorian Culture. This position allows him to mentor and guide young talents in the art of poetry, further enriching the literary landscape in Ecuador.
Editor and Literary Projects
Beyond his own writing, Madrid is actively involved in various literary projects as an editor. He directs the poetry collection of Ediciones de la Línea Imaginaria and co-edits the catalog of digital books called Alfabeto del Mundo, which offers free downloads of digital books. Madrid’s dedication to the field extends to organizing meetings, recitals, and other events within the poetry community, fostering an environment of collaboration and creative exchange.
Madrid edited the Spanish/English bilingual edition of the complete poetic works of Jorge Carrera Andrade, a renowned Ecuadorian poet. He has also compiled anthologies such as “Antología poesía ecuatoriana del Siglo XX” and “Línea Imaginaria, antología de la poesía ecuatoriana,” further showcasing his dedication to promoting and preserving Ecuadorian literature.
Recognition and Notable Works
Madrid’s poetry has garnered recognition and accolades both nationally and internationally. In 2004, he received the Casa de América de Poesía Americana award in Spain. One of his notable works, “Todos lo Madrid, el otro Madrid,” was published by the prestigious editorial Pretextos in Valencia, Spain. Madrid’s poems have been translated into several languages, expanding his reach and allowing a wider audience to appreciate his work.
Themes and Style
Madrid’s poetry exhibits diverse themes and a unique style. He incorporates colloquial language and a bold approach uncommon in Andean lyrical poetry. His poems often feature collage-like structures, prose poems, and apocryphal biographies, reflecting a world filled with magic and overflowing imagination. Madrid skillfully blends humor, irony, death, hope, surrealism, and the neobaroque with classical elements, creating a rich and captivating poetic experience.
Inclusion in Anthologies and International Recognition
Madrid’s works have been included in various anthologies of contemporary poetry, such as “Cuerpo Plural,” “Our Own Words: A Generation Defining Itself,” and “Un país imaginario.” His reputation as a distinguished poet has led to invitations to give poetry readings and lectures at universities and literary events in Latin America, the United States, and Europe. In 2011, he was a writer-in-residence at the Maison des Écrivains Étrangers et des Traducteurs in Saint-Nazaire, France.
In summary, Edwin Madrid’s contributions as a poet, essayist, and editor have solidified his position as a highly regarded figure in Ecuadorian literature. With his extensive body of work, numerous awards, and international recognition, Madrid’s poetry showcases his unique style and experimentation with language, making him a notable presence in contemporary Ecuadorian literature.
Videos
Edwin Madrid speaks about his life
A video with Edwin Madrid
Edwin Madrid reads 3 of his poems
A video celebrating and paying homage to Edwin Madrid’s 60 years
Awards & recognitions
- Literary Arts Award from the Ministry of Culture of Ecuador, 2013
- Casa de América Prize for American Poetry, Spain, 2004.
- In 1990 he won the Djenana National Prize for Young Poetry.
- His poems were selected by Claude Couffon for the bilingual anthology Poesía Joven Hispanoamericana.
- He was writer-in-residence at the Maison des Écrivains Étrangers et des Traducteurs de Saint-Nazaire, France (2011).
Pictures
Works
Poetry books
- ¡O! Muerte de Pequeños Senos de Oro (1987)
- Enamorado de un fantasma (1991)
- Celebriedad (1992) winner of the National Story and Poetry Contest
- Caballos e iguanas (1993)
- Tambor Sagrado y otros poemas (1995)
- Tentación del otro (Quito, 1995)
- Open Doors (U.S.A., 2000)
- Puertas abiertas (Líbano, 2002)
- Mordiendo el frío (España, 2004)
- Lactitud cero° (Colombia, 2005)
- La búsqueda incesante (México, 2006)
- Mordiendo el frío y otros poemas (Cuba, 2009)
- Pavo muerto para el amor (Argentina, 2012)
- Al sur del Ecuador (Ministerio de Patrimonio y Cultura del Ecuador, 2014)
- Todos los Madrid, el otro Madrid (España, Pre-Textos, 2016).
In 2003, Madrid was the editor of the Spanish/English bilingual edition of the complete poetic works of Jorge Carrera Andrade (with Carlos Reyes as translator), publisheds by the Casa de la Cultura Ecuatoriana [House of Ecuadorian Culture]