Poetry and the written word has opened a rich seam of inspiration for me. I find i can express things in words which i can't in images. I have now begun to look at the interaction between the two art forms.
One fascinating example of this "cross-fertilisation" or to give it its proper title, ecphrasis, is the work of sculptor and poet, Pascale Petit. In 'What the Water gave Me' Pascale Petit speaks in the voice of Mexican Painter, Freda Kahlo. Each poem is an interpretation, or the voice of a specific Kahlo painting and shares its title with that painting.
Taking this as a starting point, i have tried to use poetry to describe the feeling i had when looking at a piece of art. Janet White recently had an exhibition at The Studio Gallery called 'Transition'. Unbeknown to me, when she was taking the work down earlier in the week, she wrapped the wire sculptures in white plastic, to protect them during transit. When i came back in the afternoon one of the figures appeared to be hanging in a shroud. This poem is my response.
The Shroud of Motherhood
By Helen Birmingham
Blood red still flowing in a luminescent sac.
Old body catching stains
Running in rivulets through folds of silk.
Perfumed whiteness hanging by a noose of thread.
No comments:
Post a Comment