The Ekphrasis Project
What happens when art inspires writing—or writing brings art to life?
That's the question at the heart of the Ekphrasis Project, a student-centered initiative where visual art becomes a catalyst for new creative and academic voices.
What is Ekphrasis?
The term comes from ancient Greek, meaning a "vivid description" of a work of art. Today, that definition has expanded. Ekphrasis is a creative dialogue between forms of expression. Whether it's writing a poem about a painting, a story inspired by a photograph, or a personal reflection on a sculpture, ekphrasis explores how visual art sparks new ideas and how writing deepens the way we see.
What is the Ekphrasis Project?
The Ekphrasis Project is a creative and academic initiative that invites participants to explore this dialogue between image and text. Over the course of the year, students engage with works of art and develop their own original responses, which may take many forms, including
- Poetry
- Short fiction
- Hybrid and experimental writing
At the same time, students are encouraged to critically engage with issues of race, gender, class, and power, using creative practice as a way to explore complex social questions and develop both their analytical and creative voices.
Pedagogy and Student Experience
At the core of the Ekphrasis Project is sustained mentorship. Students meet weekly outside of formal coursework in a supportive, non-evaluative environment where experimentation, collaboration, and reflection are prioritized. They:
- Workshop their writing in a collaborative setting
- Exchange peer feedback
- Reflect on their creative and analytical processes
- Explore challenging social and cultural questions through art
This practice helps them to:
- Build confidence in their creative voice
- Strengthen analytical and observational skills
- Recognize their perspectives as meaningful contributions to broader conversations
Experiential Learning
Experiential learning is central to the Ekphrasis Project. During the 2025–2026 academic year, students visited museums and galleries, engaged with writers, and learned from visiting scholars. At the Brandywine Museum of Art, they studied work by Jerrell Gibbs and reflected on representations of Black life and identity. At the Delaware Art Museum, they explored Imprinted: Illustrating Race, examining how visual culture shapes ideas about race and history. On campus at West Chester University, they visited Woolly Mammoth, an exhibition by Kristopher Benedict.
Students also met with poets Jen Sperry Steinorth and Anthony Cody, and heard from Dr. Polina Gavin, whose work on ekphrastic intervention encouraged them to rethink how writing can respond to visual art.
What You'll Find on This Site
This website offers a glimpse into the work and experiences that shape the Ekphrasis Project. Here, you will find a selection of student writing inspired by works of art, along with artist statements that reflect on their creative process. Together, these materials highlight the range of voices, perspectives, and creative approaches that define the Ekphrasis Project and invite you to explore how art can be reimagined through language.
Support & Recognition
The Ekphrasis Project is proud to be supported by the 2025–2026 Innovation in Diversity and Inclusion Award from the Innovation in Diversity and Inclusion Grants Council, as well as a Research and Creative Activities (RACA) Award from the College of Arts and Humanities.