Narlan Matos
Narlan Matos is a Brazilian poet, scholar, and musician whose work explores memory, language, identity, and the human condition. Written originally in Portuguese, his poetry has been translated into numerous languages and published internationally in books, anthologies, literary journals, and multilingual editions.
Poetry Across Languages
Narlan Matos writes original poetry in Portuguese. His work has been translated into multiple languages and published internationally in books, anthologies, literary journals, and multilingual editions, extending its reach across diverse literary and cultural traditions.
Original Poetry in Portuguese
Explore Narlan Matos’s poetry in its original language through published collections, selected poems, and performances.
Read in English
Begin with books and selected poems available in English translation, including previously unpublished translations by American poet Michael Palmer.
Explore World Translations
Discover translations published in numerous languages through books, anthologies, literary journals, and multilingual editions.
Reception
The work of Narlan Matos has been received by writers, musicians, and scholars across languages and artistic traditions.
Voices from the Arts
"One of the best poets we have in the world." - Luiz Caldas
Watch acclaimed Brazilian musician Luiz Caldas introduce Narlan Matos and speak about their collaborative work.
Visual Responses
Narlan Matos’s poetry has inspired original artwork by celebrated artists, including Juan Carlos Mestre.
Experience the Poetry
Featured Portuguese Original
Elegia ao Novo Mundo
Tu me perguntas meu amigo
Onde eu estive durante meu longo silêncio…
Featured English Translation
Elegy to the New World
You ask me, my companion
Where had I been during my long silence…
Featured Reading
Watch Narlan Matos reading a selection of poems, starting with Elegy to the New World, at the 2012 Druskininkai International Fall Poetic Festival.
Featured Books
Criticism
Literary Criticism
Narlan Matos’s poetry has attracted sustained critical attention in Brazil and abroad through reviews, critical essays, interviews, and academic studies, situating his work within contemporary Latin American poetry.
Academic Studies
A growing body of scholarly research—including a dedicated journal dossier—examines Narlan Matos’s poetry, language, and literary contribution.
Beyond Poetry
Music
Musical compositions and collaborations extending poetic language into sound, performance, and recorded work.
Latest News
Eu Cânt Pentru Oameni de Bine (Canto aos Homens de Boa Vontade) received the 2024 Translation Prize in Romania.
Narlan Matos will participate in the XXIX Encuentro de Poetas Iberoamericanos in Salamanca, Spain.