David Acosta Herrera (Quito, Ecuador, November 8, 1986) is an Ecuadorian poet, writer, and cultural activist. Founder of the collective eLeLLo (Anarquía, Arte y Ciencia), Acosta promotes artistic engagement through workshops, events, and community projects. His first poetry collection, Termineternal, published by El Ángel, explores surrealism and symbolism in a poetic journey from life to death. He won first prize in the Certamen de Invierno – Poesía libre in Córdoba, Argentina, in 2018 for his poem Aztra. His latest work, El clamor de una nuez que se parte en silencio, was published in 2023.
Early Life and Education
David Acosta Herrera was born on November 8, 1986, in Quito, Ecuador, on a rainy Saturday—a detail he often reflects on as a poetic symbol of his existence. Despite his Ecuadorian roots, Acosta prefers to identify as a “citizen of the world,” rejecting conventional geographical and national labels. This global mindset resonates with his anarchist philosophy, which reflects a broader rejection of traditional structures of authority.
Acosta completed his early education at the Unidad Educativa Jean Jacques Rousseau in Quito, earning a Bachiller en Ciencias in 2004. He continued his studies at the Universidad Central del Ecuador, where he obtained a degree in Clinical Psychology in 2011. During this time, he also engaged in research, notably exploring the use of art therapy in treating trauma victims at the Fiscalía Distrital de Pichincha.
Alongside his academic career, Acosta was actively involved in various cultural and artistic initiatives. He participated in the Talleres Permanentes de Literatura at the Casa de la Cultura Ecuatoriana (CCE), where he worked with renowned Ecuadorian writer Diego Velazco. These workshops deepened his knowledge of literary styles and movements, influencing his later writing. Additionally, he attended permanent Teatro Clown workshops at the Fundación Mariana de Jesús, where he studied under Dino Chiriboga. Through these experiences, Acosta developed a multifaceted approach to art, combining his literary and psychological expertise with performance and community engagement.
Personal Life and Philosophy
David Acosta’s life is one marked by the juxtaposition of extremes. He has traversed experiences of psychodelia, death, and recklessness, as well as moments of creative beauty. He views himself as a writer who gravitates between the poetic and the chaotic, and this duality frequently emerges in his works. His life, as he humbly describes, is not fantastical, yet his writing reflects the raw, unembellished aspects of the human condition.
Acosta’s personal philosophy aligns with anarchism, not just as a political stance but as a holistic worldview. He rejects conventional societal structures and instead, through his art and activism, strives for a world where literature and art remain alive and accessible to all. He founded the collective eLeLLo (Anarquía, Arte y Ciencia), which promotes art through events, workshops, and courses aimed at fostering cultural engagement and education. Through this initiative, he seeks to merge anarchism, art, and science in order to sustain the vibrancy of artistic expression.
Literary Career
David Acosta’s first major publication was his poetry collection Termineternal, published by El Ángel publishing house. This collection is steeped in surrealism and symbolism, narrating the life journey of a writer from birth to self-inflicted death. Termineternal is a deeply introspective work, exploring the sublime and the despicable in humanity. Through this raw portrait of the human experience, Acosta delivers a stark critique of existence, using poetry as an outlet for emotional catharsis rather than as a tool for winning over an audience.
In addition to his solo works, Acosta has contributed to various national and international anthologies, including short stories, poems, and essays. A significant moment in his career came in 2018 when he won the first prize in the Certamen de Invierno – Poesía libre, organized by La Hora del Cuento publishing house in Córdoba, Argentina, for his poem Aztra. This achievement solidified his reputation as a distinguished voice in contemporary poetry.
His latest book, El clamor de una nuez que se parte en silencio, was recently published by El Ángel in their “Pluma” collection. This new work continues Acosta’s tradition of blending introspective musings with social commentary, a hallmark of his style.
Legacy and Impact
David Acosta’s work, while not aimed at conventional acclaim or widespread fame, leaves an indelible mark on readers who engage with his raw and deeply human expression. His writings offer readers a mirror into his own experiences, inviting them to recognize the profound emotions that shape his work. In doing so, Acosta believes that the genius of his writing is not in his words but in the readers’ ability to create meaning as they read.
As a cultural manager, writer, and anarchist thinker, Acosta’s legacy is intertwined with his activism, ensuring that literature and art remain vital forces within society. His collective, eLeLLo, embodies this commitment by promoting art as a space for free thought and expression. His work both as a writer and a cultural leader contributes to the preservation and evolution of artistic communities in Ecuador and beyond.
Recognitions and Accolades
David Acosta’s most notable recognition to date is winning the first prize in the Certamen de Invierno – Poesía libre in 2018 for his poem Aztra. Additionally, his contributions to various literary compilations have established him as a respected figure within the Ecuadorian and international literary communities.
Publications
- Termineternal (Poetry collection, El Ángel)
- Aztra (Poem, winner of Certamen de Invierno – Poesía libre, 2018)
- El clamor de una nuez que se parte en silencio (El Ángel, 2024)
References
- David Acosta – El Ángel Editor (Retrieved September 26, 2024)
- El clamor de una nuez que se parte en silencio – Busca Libre (Retrieved September 26, 2024)