Descriptive Word Group Poem
This activity is part of the PMA’s virtual April School Vacation Week.
In this activity, looking and describing what you see becomes a poem created by the whole group. You will also have a chance to read or perform your poem!
This activity is best with groups of 3 to 5 people.
Jeffrey Gibson (United States, born 1972), PEOPLE LIKE US, 2018, glass and plastic beads, tin, copper and gold-finished jingles, artificial sinew, quartz crystal, silver-coated copper wire, druzy crystal, nylon thread, nylon fringe, acrylic felt, acrylic paint, repurposed wool blanket, recycled jersey stuffing, rawhide, steel rods, wood block, 60 1/2 x 24 1/2 x 14 inches. Gift of Crewe Foundation and Family, 2019.13. Image courtesy of Roberts Projects © Jeffrey Gibson. Portland Museum of Art, Maine.
what you’ll need:
• a stack of index cards, post-it notes, or small pieces of paper about the same size (one piece of paper per person for the amount of people in your group)
• a pencil for each person
Directions:
Each person gets one index card, post it note, or piece of paper and pencil.
Pull up this image onto fullscreen mode so everyone can see it.
Position yourself in a line or semicircle around the image so everyone has a good view, or take turns looking at the image.
Based on what you are seeing and noticing about this sculpture, write one descriptive word on your card. Have everyone do this at the same time.
After each person has written their word, pass your card to the person on your right.
Now, look at the image again. Write a second descriptive word underneath or near the word on the card you received. Try to not repeat the same word you wrote. Or, feel free to respond to the word you read on this card.
Once everyone has written their second word, pass the card to your right.
Looking again, write a third word on the card. Try not to repeat any word already on the card. Once you’ve done this, you should have three words on your card.
Repeat this passing process with however many people are in your group, or do as many rounds of passing the card to each person until you have at least six words on your card.
Using the last card you receive, spend a few moments rearranging your list of words into a short descriptive poem about the work of art. Arrange your words to create rhythm or flow, if you can.
Once you have written your short poem, now it’s time to read it aloud.
Take turns reading your poem aloud to your group. Get dramatic. Change your voice. Interpret the words however you want so you ‘perform’ your poem.
Repeat this with a new set of cards as many times as you want, or with any image online from the PMA’s collection.