menu Language Is A Virus

Visual Poetry

Click the "Start Creating Visual Poetry" button and explore your creativity by drawing text mosaics with your words.

Settings:

Settings
  1. Enter your poem or text in the "Text" field, where it says "Enter Your Text Here".
  2. Optional: Choose minimum size, maximum size, random angle, text color, and/or background color.
  3. Click anywhere on the page, hold down the mouse and draw a picture.
  4. Click "Clear" to erase what you have done start over.

Example Visual Poetry using the first few lines of Allen Ginsberg's "Howl"
Example Visual Poetry Word Mosaic


What is Visual poetry?

Visual poetry incorporates graphic details like images, colors, layout, shapes, typography, and patterns into the poem in order to emphasize the meaning of a poem. Visual poetry should try to engage the reader on a sensory level, using the visual appearance of the poem to add another layer of meaning to the words. Examples of visual poetry include concrete poetry and ekphrastic poetry.

Ideas for Creating Visual Poetry:

  1. Combine words and images to create a collage-like effect that adds depth and meaning to the poem.
  2. Play with the arrangement of the words on the page to create visual patterns and shapes.
  3. Experiment with different media, such as charcoal or watercolor, to add texture and visual interest to the poem.
  4. Use colors to add emotion and emphasis to the words.
  5. Experiment with different layouts, such as circular or diagonal arrangements, to add interest and movement to the poem.
  6. Use different fonts and sizes to create emphasis and rhythm in the poem.
  7. Use white space to create contrast and emphasis on certain words or phrases.
  8. Incorporate visual elements from nature, such as leaves or flowers, to add texture and dimension to the poem.
  9. Use repetition of words or phrases to create a visual and rhythmic effect.
  10. Use images and symbols to reinforce the theme or meaning of the poem.

Types of Visual Poetry

Concrete Poetry

One of the most well-known types of visual poetry is concrete poetry, also known as shape poetry. In concrete poetry, the words of the poem are arranged on the page to create a visual image that relates to the meaning of the poem. For example, a poem about a bird might be arranged in the shape of a bird on the page, with the words forming the bird's wings, body, and tail. This visual representation of the poem's subject helps to reinforce the meaning of the poem and creates a more engaging reading experience.

Ekphrastic Poetry

Another type of visual poetry is ekphrastic poetry, which uses visual art as a starting point for the poem. Ekphrastic poetry often describes a work of art in detail, either by directly describing the artwork or by using the artwork as a jumping-off point for a more abstract exploration of the themes and ideas presented in the artwork. This type of poetry can help to bring new meaning and depth to a work of art, and can also help the reader to engage with the art on a deeper level.

Calligrams and Asemic Writing

In addition to concrete and ekphrastic poetry, there are many other forms of visual poetry, such as calligrams, which use the arrangement of words to create a visual image, and asemic writing, which uses abstract symbols and shapes to create a visual language. No matter the form, visual poetry offers a unique and engaging reading experience that engages the reader's senses and imagination in a way that traditional poetry cannot.

Visual poetry is a fascinating and unique form of poetry that incorporates visual elements to enhance the meaning and experience of the poem. Whether through the use of typography, layout, or other design elements, visual poetry offers a rich and engaging reading experience that engages the reader's senses and imagination.

Visual Poetry gizmo made by: Tim Holman