Eugenia Kuzmina reads poems from her upcoming book “ILY,” celebrating resilience and love at The Agape Lodge, LA.
Eugenia Kuzmina Reads Poems from her Upcoming Poetry Book “ILY” at The Agape Lodge in Los Angeles
On the evening of October 26th, 2025, Eugenia Kuzmina, the multifaceted artist known for her work as an actress and model, captivated an audience at Agape Lodge in Downtown Los Angeles. The intimate space was filled with an electric energy as Kuzmina shared excerpts from her deeply personal upcoming poetry book, “ILY” (I Love You ). The collection reflects her journey through self-discovery, motherhood, and resilience, touching the hearts of anyone who has ever grappled with their own sense of worth and strength.
The event, hosted at Agape Lodge, a creative haven founded by poet and artist Vanessa Matic, provided the perfect setting for Kuzmina to read powerful poems like “Growing Up in Food Lines”, “In Your Left Eye”, and “Selling”. Each piece resonated deeply, exploring the inner life of a woman shaped by her experiences and the challenges that have helped define her path.
“This is one of my most personal upcoming projects,” Kuzmina explained to the audience. “It’s dedicated to my daughter and son, and to every woman who posed for the world, unsure of her worth. It’s for the woman who now stands, sculpted by storms, grace in the bones, fire in the chest.”
Kuzmina’s words were more than just poetry; they were a call to embrace vulnerability and power. She invited everyone present into her world, a world where love, loss, and personal transformation come to life through verse. But “ILY” is not just a collection of poems; it’s a universal story, particularly for women who have been challenged by society’s expectations and emerged stronger, more grounded, and more powerful than ever before.
The Story Behind “ILY “ and the Creative Collaboration
“Every word in this book comes from a place of truth,” Kuzmina shared. “It’s for the woman who doubted herself, for the mother who fought to find her voice, for the daughter who has seen and felt the weight of the world. It’s for anyone who has ever struggled to know their own value.”
In addition to her powerful words, “ILY” will feature stunning illustrations created in collaboration with artist CX, a polymathic creator whose gentle fairytale neuroglyphic systems power the book’s illustrations. The synergy between Kuzmina’s poetry and CX’s artwork amplifies the emotional impact of the book, creating a sensory experience that is both visual and visceral, offering readers a deeper understanding of Kuzmina’s emotional journey.
Agape Lodge: A Space for Poetry and Connection
The night at Agape Lodge wasn’t just about Eugenia Kuzmina; it was also a celebration of the vibrant artistic community in Los Angeles. Founded by Vanessa Matic, the Agape Lodge Poetry Society serves as a platform for poets, musicians, and artists to connect, share their work, and inspire one another. Matic, a poet and multi-talented artist, has long supported emerging literary voices, and Agape Lodge has become a vital gathering point for the city’s creative community.
The event was not only a chance to hear Kuzmina’s poetry, but also a celebration of art’s power to connect people from different walks of life. Matic, whose published works include Romance & Revolution and American Dreams in Havoc Heaven, has fostered an inclusive, nurturing environment where artistic expression is encouraged to flourish without judgment.
An Evening of Talent and Artistic Legacy
The Agape Lodge event also highlighted the depth of Los Angeles’s creative scene. Writers, poets, and artists from various backgrounds gathered to share their work and connect with others who share their passion for artistic expression. Among the notable attendees were literary figures like Jerry Stahl, a renowned author and poet; Jonathan Shaw, a writer and artist who delves into the human experience with brutal honesty; Aaron Rose, a curator and visual artist with a focus on culture and creativity; Howard Rodman; and David Charles From the musical side there has been Luke Spiller, Twin Shadow and many more.
Other prominent voices in the poetry world included Adam Bravin, David J, Nathalia Pizarro, Lena Fumi, Vanessa Burgundy, and Jeremy Gill. The evening was a mosaic of creative energy, where every voice added to the collective narrative of resistance, love, and growth.
For those fortunate enough to attend, the event was not only a celebration of Eugenia Kuzmina’s work but also a moment to witness the power of storytelling, how one person’s journey can resonate with many, and how art can create a space for shared understanding.
The Universal Power of Storytelling
As Kuzmina shared her poems with the audience, it became clear that “ILY” was more than just a book, it was a powerful tool for self-reflection and empowerment. Her poems explored everything from the pain of growing up to the strength of standing tall in the face of adversity, offering both women and men a chance to reflect on their own journeys.
Each poem, from “In Your Left Eye” to “Selling”, was a vivid snapshot of life’s complexities, joy and sorrow, empowerment and vulnerability, strength and fragility. Through her words, Kuzmina invites the reader to experience the beauty and chaos of life, and to see the growth potential even in the most difficult moments.
The night at Agape Lodge was a reminder of the transformative power of art, the ability to make us reflect, challenge us, and, most importantly, connect us. Eugenia Kuzmina’s poetry is a testament to that power, offering a glimpse into the soul of a woman who has weathered the storms of life and emerged, sculpted by grace, fire, and love.
Stay Connected with Eugenia Kuzmina
As anticipation builds for the release of “ILY”, Eugenia Kuzmina continues to share her journey and creative process with her audience. For more information on the upcoming book and to stay updated on events and releases.
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