Margaux’s welcome note

Welcome to another celebration of National Poetry Writing Month (NaPoWriMo)! During the month of April, people try to write 30 poems in 30 days and use all sorts of things to keep them inspired to keep writing all month long. I would like us to explore a type of writing called Ekphrasis.

An ekphrastic poem is a vivid description of a scene or, more commonly, a work of art. Through the imaginative act of narrating and reflecting on the “action” of a painting or sculpture, the poet may amplify and expand its meaning (Poetry Foundation).

Ekphrasis is the use of vivid language to describe or respond to a work of visual art. Ekphrastic poems focus on works of art—usually paintings, photographs, or statues. And modern ekphrastic poems have generally shrugged off antiquity’s obsession with elaborate description, and instead have tried to interpret, inhabit, confront, and speak to their subjects. (Source: Poets.org + Poets.org/glossary)

I have gathered 30 (+1 special bonus) pieces of art from Black women artists to review, ponder and inspire you all month long. Happy writing!