About the Book.
The Passage is an exquisite ekphrastic poetry chapbook inspired by American surrealist painter Kay Sage’s transfixing paintings depicting barren landscapes and intricate architectural scenes. Each carefully crafted poem serves as a portal to Sage’s masterpieces and an intimate exploration into her constant struggle to be recognized as a surrealist artist, in what was then an insular art world dominated by famous male figures such as Andre Breton, Max Ernst, and Sage’s husband Yves Tanguy. Delving into the realm of surrealism, melancholy and untold narratives, The Passage is a poetic journey transcending time and space to embrace the transformative power of art.
About the Author.
Effie Pasagiannis is a lawyer and poet based in NYC. Her poems have been featured in various journals and anthologies, notably Mantis Press Poetry & Protest Issue (Stanford University, April 2019), Pen + Brush In Print Issue I, and Fieldfare’s Sanctuary Issue 3. Effie’s first collection of poetry Anagnorisis was published by Dancing Girl Press in 2020 with a book release and reading at Poets House. Effie just completed two poetry chapbooks – Our Perfect Offering, a collection of villanelle poems (forthcoming by Dancing Girl Press in late 2023) and The Passage, which was inspired by the life and art of American surrealist Kay Sage (Finishing Line Press, 2023). Effie has performed at various venues in NYC, including the Bowery Poetry Club, Powerhouse Books, Poets House, the Greek Consulate in NY, and Elizabeth Street Garden as part of McNally Jackson Books summer poetry series.
About the Moderator.
Elisabeth Horan is a poet, mother, and small press publisher living in the wilds of Vermont. She is the author of numerous poetry chapbooks and collections, and the Editor-In-Chief of Animal Heart Press. Elisabeth is passionate about discovering new voices and mentoring emerging poets. She is also a fierce advocate for those impacted by mental illness.
Elisabeth’s latest book The Mask is her second collection of ekphrastic poetry written in response to the artwork of Frida Kahlo.