Ekphasis as Resistance: Empowering Marginalized Voices Through Art and Literature (roundtable)

In recent decades, there has been a substantial increase in the production of ekphrastic poetry. However, closer examination reveals notable shortcomings in ekphrastic production and its surrounding criticism, especially when it comes to considering issues of identity, representation, and inclusivity. Contemporary ekphrasis tends to draw heavily from the Western canon while the critical discourse surrounding it often perpetuates patriarchal ideologies, discrediting and omitting female-authored texts, and propagating sexist and misogynistic language and narratives (Collins). This marginalization extends to ethnic minority poets, who have not received adequate critical attention; as Loizeaux notes, “few poets of color appear in discussions of the genre” (Loizeaux 173).

This roundtable invites scholars and writers to present work that highlights the significant yet often overlooked contributions of marginalized groups in ekphrastic poetry. We aim to explore how writers can transcend introspective meditations to tackle broader social and ethical issues, fostering a deeper dialogue about the transformative power of art. Additionally, we are interested in examining how ekphrasis has evolved from mere description or “speaking to, about, or for the work of art” (Hedley 31) into a powerful medium for addressing larger sociocultural issues such as discrimination, oppression, and racism. This discussion seeks to enrich our understanding of how art and literature intersect with complex societal challenges.