Creating a Poem of Art Appreciation: The Power and Beauty of Ekphrasis

Introduction to Art Appreciation in Poetry

When it comes to writing a poem about art appreciation, one must acknowledge the profound impact that art can have on our lives. Art not only serves as a reflection of human emotion and creativity but also a means to connect with the world in a deeper and more meaningful way. This article will explore how to create a poem that captures the essence of art appreciation through vivid imagery, emotional language, and thoughtful structure. We will also delve into the concept of ekphrasis and discuss how it can enhance the poem.

Exploring Art through Ekphrasis

Ekphrasis is a Greek term that refers to a description of a work of art, often poetic, that reveals the inner qualities of the artwork being described. This literary device has a long history, with examples like Homer’s 'Iliad' and 'Odyssey', and has been a vital component in the modern era. As a literary form, ekphrasis allows for a deeper exploration of the interplay between words and images.

The essence of ekphrasis lies in the writer's ability to transform a visual art piece into a literary work that evokes the same emotions, thoughts, and feelings that the original artwork invokes. This transformation is not merely descriptive but also interpretive, allowing the writer to delve into the core of the artwork and express it through poetry.

Key Elements of a Poem about Art Appreciation

To create a poem of art appreciation, one must consider several key elements:

Description of Artistic Techniques and Mediums: Discuss the unique qualities and techniques of different art forms such as painting, sculpture, and photography. Highlight how these techniques evoke a response in the viewer. Reflection on the Power of Art: Reflect on the power of art to capture the human experience and convey deeper meanings about the world. This can be achieved through vivid descriptions and metaphors. Personal Connection: Explore the personal connection one can feel when observing and interpreting a work of art. This can be through sharing personal anecdotes or reflections. Role of the Artist: Discuss the role of the artist in translating their vision and perspective into a tangible piece. This can be done by examining the artist's process and the message they wish to convey. Inspiration and Perspective: Highlight how art can inspire wonder, contemplation, or new perspectives in the audience. This can be illustrated through vivid imagery and emotive language. Value of Open and Thoughtful Mindset: Emphasize the value of cultivating an open and thoughtful mindset when engaging with art. This can be achieved through personal reflections and discussions on the impact of art.

Understanding Ekphrasis in Practice

The concept of ekphrasis can be seen in many poems, but perhaps none more famously than W.H. Auden's 'Musee des Beaux Arts'. This poem provides a poignant reflection on how different people react to suffering and tragedy, contrasted with the everyday realities of life.

'Musee des Beaux Arts'
W. H. Auden
About suffering they were never wrong
The old Masters: how well they understood
Its human position: how it takes place
While someone else is eating or opening a window or just walking dully along
How when the aged are reverently passionately waiting
For the miraculous birth there always must be
Children who did not specially want it to happen
Skating on a pond at the edge of the wood
They never forgot
That even the dreadful martyrdom must run its course
Anyhow in a corner some untidy spot
Where the dogs go on with their doggy life and the torturers' horses
Scratches its innocent behind on a tree.

In 'Musee des Beaux Arts', Auden's poem reflects on a painting by Pieter Bruegel the Elder, 'Landscape with the Fall of Icarus'. The poem is a powerful depiction of how different people, even in the face of tragedy, continue to live their lives.

The Power of Poetry at Art Museums

Attending art museums can be a transformative experience, especially when paired with the poetry of ekphrasis. In recent years, some museums have invited poets to reflect on and compose poems about the artworks on display. This fusion of poetry and art creates a unique space for deeper engagement and appreciation.

For instance, a visit to the Blanton Museum of Art in Austin, Texas, offers such an experience. During poetry workshops held at the museum, poets were invited to write their reflections on the artwork. This placed the written poetry side by side with the artistic pieces, fostering a rich dialogue between word and image.

The poem 'Laying the Table' by Kurt Heinzelman is a perfect example of how poetry can complement art. The poem describes a conversation about food and ceramics, intertwining personal reflections with the beauty of ancient art. The poem not only appreciates the artwork but also creates a connection between past and present through the lens of the imagined dialogue.

'Laying the Table'
Kurt Heinzelman
If I wanted to make you love men
I would make you seafood honey
Not pasta bisque perhaps or chowder
And I'd serve it to you in the thickest
Reddest heaviest fine-figured
Terracotta plate I could find
For Apulians like you and I
Know cuttlefish from squid
From octopus a periwinkle
From a cockle flounder from solen
Nor plaice scallops from sand-dollars
A plate I mean with a crater a little nomphalos or enticing concavity
In the middle of it inscribed
Dip things here.

Heinzelman's poem not only appreciates the beauty of the Red Figure Fish Plate but also personifies the process of serving a meal in this ancient plate, creating a vivid and immersive experience for the reader.

In conclusion, writing a poem about art appreciation is a form of ekphrasis, a technique that enriches the understanding and appreciation of art. Through thoughtful and emotive language, one can create a powerful connection between the visual beauty of art and the emotional depth of poetry. Whether it's reflecting on the enduring power of tragedy, exploring the beauty of ancient ceramics, or simply expressing a deep sense of love and appreciation, poetry can serve as a beautiful bridge between the viewer and the artwork.

Keywords: ekphrasis, poetry, art appreciation, W.H. Auden, Musee des Beaux Arts