CultureAugust 15, 2026

ekphrastic

ek-FRAS-tik

Definition

Relating to or being a form of poetry that provides a vivid description of, or an imaginative response to, a work of visual art.

Etymology

Derived from the Ancient Greek word 'ekphrasis', meaning 'description' or 'to speak out', which combined 'ek' (out) and 'phrazein' (to declare or tell).

In the news

Ed Madden discusses his 'postcard poems' as a form of ekphrastic writing, where his poetry was inspired by and responded to the specific visual images featured on the postcards.

Ed Madden – Queer poet on stage band, Stevie Nicks and other inspirations

Read the full article ↗

Bay Area Reporter

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