Max Ernst (German, 1891–1976), L’oeil du silence (The Eye of Silence), 1943–44. Oil on canvas, 43 ¼ x 56 ¼ in. Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum, Washington University in St. Louis. University purchase, Kende Sale Fund, 1946
Workshop–Ekphrasis and the Commerce Between Word and Image
This workshop is focused on ekphrasis, a literary device in which one medium of art— often poetry or prose—vividly describes, interprets, or reflects upon another visual work of art. Geared toward those interested in how visual art and poetic expression can act as conduits for one another, this workshop adds a formal constraint to one’s Museum visit and encourages thoughtful and creative engagement with artworks.
After exploring the galleries, participants will select 1–3 artworks, write about them, and condense their thoughts, feelings, and observations into poetic lines, which they will then share. By the end of the workshop, participants will walk away with a poem or lines that can be stitched together to bewilder through image and syntax.
The workshop will use examples from works by Mary Jo Bang and Eduardo c. Corral, both WashU faculty, who have engaged with ekphrasis in their works.
About the Facilitator
Taha Ahmar Qadeer is a writer, researcher, and translator from Lahore, Pakistan. He received his BA in Psychology and Literature from Bennington College and is currently an MFA candidate in Creative Writing at Washington University in St. Louis.