Echfrasis means description in Greek, but when poets undertake

echfrasas we're talking about art and more than that we're making poems that

not only describe art, they tap deep into the work of artists

to ask bigger questions about our languages and our experiences in the world.

This week's episodes are all in conversation with art

and those magnificent poems on art.

They are only possible through the work of the institutions that care for,

share, and support the work of artists. We encourage you too to visit and support these museums, galleries, and art spaces. I'm Major Jackson and this is the slowdown.

I'm Major Jackson and this is the slowdown. now.

Sometimes the life of an artist is as compelling as the art. Take for instance, the sculptor Edmonia Lewis.

Her older brother made a fortune as a barber during the gold rush. In 1860, thanks to him, she attended what today is Oberlin College, the first institution to matriculate women and African Americans.

But her education was thwarted when she was accused of poisoning two white classmates.

Emonia was black in Chippewa.

What happened?

Just before a winter sleigh ride, her housemates and their dates slipped into her

room for a warm drink. Shortly into the trip, the girls became ill. A false rumor spread that

ammonia poisoned her friends. A mob convened and brutally beat her. A trial ensued. Her lawyer was John Mercer

Lincston, the great uncle of poet Langston Hughes.

Emmonia was found not guilty due to a lack of evidence,

but Oberlin refused to let her return to school.

Here's where the story gets inspiring. Edmonia moved to Boston.

She befriended noted slavery abolitionist

...