History and art collide in local poet’s new book

Fremantle-based poet Natalie Damjanovich-Napoleon has released her latest book, The Commonwealth of Amnesia: a visual collection of poems that explores censored histories through poetic structure.

In her third full-length release, Damjanovich-Napoleon compiles the records of Croatian immigrants in her examinations of the group’s Australian heritage. Each documentary poem is formed from the records through tactile manipulation using white-out, blackout pen and collage to reflect how history has been written, erased and rewritten over time.

The book will be launched by Dr. Vahri McKenzie at Ode To Sirens, Fremantle, on Friday, August 14. The evening will feature words and music by Natalie Damjanovich-Napoleon and award-winning singer-songwriter Emily Barker along with readings by Lakshmi Kanchi and Danijela Kambaskovic-Schwarz.

Damjanovich-Napoleon has received multiple awards, including the Bruce Dawe Award and the KSP Poetry Prize. Her previous collections include First Blood and If There Is a Butterfly That Drinks Tears.

Natalie Damjanovich-Napoleon launches her new poetry book, The Commonwealth of Amnesia at Ode To Sirens on Friday, August 14, 2026. Tickets are free but registration is required at tickettailor.com For more information visit nataliedamjanovichnapoleon.net