A short intro When poetry intertwines with illustrations, it merges the power of visual storytelling with written narrative.
Poetry and visual arts, despite their apparent differences—one steeped in language, the other in imagery—share deep connections as forms of artistic expression. When poetry intertwines with illustrations, it merges the power of visual storytelling with written narrative.
This blending of poetry and imagery defies easy definition, blurring the boundaries between distinct art forms while highlighting their innate harmony.
Initiatives like POP MAPP actively invite artists to contribute their unique works, showcasing the
seamless fusion of visual and poetic elements.
Within platforms like Passion of Poetry, writers adeptly reveal how they draw inspiration from visual art, crafting entirely fresh and captivating compositions.
When poetry meets visual art, something magical happens. Visual art, like paintings or sculptures, and poetry, with its words, join forces to create a unique experience. Visual art captures moments in time, while poetry paints pictures in our minds.
Together, they go beyond mere description or illustration, revealing deeper meanings. The
combination of words and images
invites us to explore and interpret the artwork in different ways. It’s like they’re speaking to us, telling stories that resonate on a personal and universal level.
This fusion of poetry and visual art blurs the lines between reality and imagination. It allows us to delve into the human experience and ponder life’s mysteries.
When we engage with these artistic collaborations, we’re transported to a world where creativity knows no bounds, and beauty speaks in many forms.
Central to the ethos of the MAPP event is its capacity to cultivate empathy and foster understanding. Through the dialogue between visual artists and poets, participants are invited to step into each other’s worlds, to see through the eyes of another and embrace perspectives that may diverge from their own. In this exchange, empathy becomes the cornerstone of creative exploration, allowing artists and poets to bridge the gaps of culture, language, and experience that often divide us.
Moreover, the MAPP event serves as a catalyst for introspection and self-discovery, both for individual participants and for society as a whole. As poets delve into the depths of visual stimuli, they confront their own biases, preconceptions, and subconscious
desires, unraveling the layers of meaning that lie beneath the surface. Likewise, visual artists are challenged to confront the impact of their creations on the world around them, to consider the ethical implications of their imagery, and to strive for greater authenticity and inclusivity in their work.
In this way, the MAPP event contributes to the evolution of human consciousness, inviting us to question, to reflect, and to reimagine the world through the lens of art and poetry. It challenges us to confront uncomfortable truths, to embrace the complexities of the human experience, and to find beauty in the most unlikely of places. In a world often fraught with division and discord, the MAPP event offers a glimpse of the unity that lies at the heart of our shared humanity.
The event reminds us that art is not merely a product of human creativity, but a reflection of our shared humanity. It invites us to embrace the beauty of diversity, to celebrate the richness of human expression, and to recognize the profound interconnectedness that binds us all together. In doing so, it contributes to the ongoing evolution of humanity, inspiring us to reach beyond ourselves and strive for a world where creativity knows no bounds.
When Artists and poets share their ideas and learn from each other. This makes the world a more interesting and colorful place.” Literature, with its boundless power, has always served as a bridge connecting hearts across the globe, transcending borders, and fostering unity. I am thrilled to share with you the remarkable journey of The Passion of Poetry Community, a haven for poets worldwide that I have had the honor to oversee as the Event Director. Our recent endeavor, the Member Art Pix Prompt (MAPP), has been nothing short of extraordinary. Since its inception in September 2023, this prestigious event has captivated the minds and souls of over 115,000 poets from every corner of the earth. Each Friday, we witnessed the magic unfold as nearly 1,000 entries poured in, each a testament to the boundless creativity and passion within our community. From these submissions, we carefully curated 20 finalists who represented the pinnacle of poetic brilliance. What’s more, the diversity of participation was awe-inspiring, with poets hailing from the UK, US, India, Philippines, Singapore, Trinidad and Tobago, Indonesia, and beyond, showcasing the rich tapestry of cultures and perspectives that enrich our collective experience. This journey has been nothing short of exhilarating, a celebration of the boundless creativity and ingenuity that resides within each and every one of us. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to every poet who contributed their voice to this remarkable event, and to our dedicated team whose unwavering commitment made it all possible.
We’ve brought together artists from across the globe to participate in the vibrant POP MAPP Friday event.
Poets are tasked with crafting poetic masterpieces that resonate deeply with the provided artwork, ensuring their compositions remain concise, comprising no more than 12-16 lines. We encourage participants to share their entries as comments on the respective posters, with each contributor limited to a single submission.
Kicking off the series was the stunning artwork released on September 8, 2023, by the talented Sherry Healy. The 24-hour challenge drew over 100 participants, culminating in Jackie Shaffer from the US clinching victory with her evocative verse.
Following suit, Robert Celles’ captivating piece, “Night Show,” inspired an array of poetic responses, ultimately crowned by Farida Fanaswala from India. Kathy Jo Bryant’s contribution marked the third prompt, with her artwork eliciting both visual and literary creativity, resulting in another win for the United States.
Annette Tarpely, the visionary founder, contributed the fourth artwork, “The Kiss,” a handstitched marvel. Fatima Sarah from India emerged triumphant with her poignant verses.
Binod Dawadi from Nepal introduced the fifth artwork, “The Power of Words,” sparking Ency Bearis from the US to craft a winning poem.
Eduardo Umali’s contribution, “False Prophet,” from the Philippines, set the stage for Harumi Aina’s victory from Indonesia. Charli’s “Duality of Mortality” inspired Red Lion Poetry from the US to pen an award-winning piece.
The ninth event showcased a piece titled “The Chosen Ones,” painted by yours truly, referencing Gabriella White’s novel. The Philippines’ own Feliz Ruiz clinched victory with their stirring interpretation. Rens Tuzon, a coffee artist, dazzled with his piece “Mother’s Soup” in the tenth event, leading to Carol Mintreas from India securing the win.
Each artwork in this series is a testament to magnificence, providing a canvas for poets to express their deepest thoughts and emotions. The collision of art and poetry in this space exemplifies the diversity and profound impact of creative collaboration.
Recognizing the Judges of the 1st MAPP Grand Competition
As the event director of POP MAPP, we are honored and thankful to the incredible individuals who have generously offered their expertise to evaluate submissions for the 1st MAPP Grand Competition. On behalf of Passion of Poetry, we extend our heartfelt thanks to these respected judges, whose wisdom and judgment have enhanced the competition and raised the bar for literary excellence.
One of our esteemed judges is Yannis Fikas from greece known for his contributions to academia and literature. As the founder and president of the Academy of Farsala and Director of Humanities at BCA College Athens, Yannis has dedicated himself to knowledge and the arts. With his deep understanding of literature and passion for writing, Yannis brings valuable insights to the judging panel, ensuring a fair and enlightening evaluation process.
Another judge, Joan Josep Barcelo from Spain , is a versatile artist-poet whose work has garnered international acclaim. With a background in literature and science, Joan brings a unique
perspective to the panel, enriching discussions on poetry and literature with his insights and creativity.
Representing Russia is Alexander Kabishev Chief Editor of Demo GOG. With his experience in the literary world and leadership of the Hyperpoem Anthology Project, Alexander ensures a fair and insightful evaluation process, upholding the highest standards of literary excellence.
Furthermore, Ratan Bhattacharjee Ph.D. from India is a respected scholar and member of our judging panel. With his academic background and experience, Ratan contributes valuable expertise to the panel.
Helen Sarita, hailing from the Philippines, stands as a beacon of Filipino poetry and literary excellence. As the founder of Filipino Poets in Blossoms and President of Blossoms Journal International Magazine, Helen’s impact on the literary landscape is profound. Her recognition as an Asia Icon Golden Awardee in 2023 is a testament to her unwavering dedication to nurturing emerging voices in poetry.
From the picturesque shores of Greece comes Eva Lianou Petropoulou, a distinguished children’s literacy author and President of Greece MMEX. Eva’s tireless efforts in fostering literacy among children have earned her widespread acclaim and admiration. Her role as a judge in the MAPP Grand Competition reflects her commitment to promoting literary excellence and fostering a love for reading among young minds.
Residing in Italy since 1995, Angela Kosta embodies the spirit of literary ambassadorship, transcending borders with her translations, essays, and journalistic contributions. With 11 published books and a global presence, Angela’s role as an Ambassador of Culture and Peace underscores her dedication to literature and global harmony. Her insights as a judge enrich the evaluation process, bringing depth and perspective to the competition.
Gabriella White, representing the literary tradition of the United States, stands as a champion for aspiring writers worldwide. As the visionary founder of the New Leaf Writing Community, Gabriella’s commitment to empowering writers ensures a fair and enriching evaluation process. Her expertise as a novelist, poet, lecturer, and senior journalist brings a wealth of knowledge and insight to the judging panel.
From the bustling streets of Hong Kong, Ody Munson emerges as a distinguished advocate for storytelling and public engagement. As an author, Toastmaster, and TEDx speaker, Ody’s diverse accomplishments in literature and public speaking make her a valuable asset to the judging panel. Her leadership as the President of Horizon International underscores her passion for storytelling and public engagement, enhancing the evaluation process with her unique perspective.
As we embark on this journey of literary discovery and creativity, let us express our deepest gratitude to these esteemed judges for their role in championing the written word and fostering a culture of literary excellence.
Competition Ranking Results
1st 🇬🇧 Nikola Meekin
2nd 🇮🇳 Sujata Banggoo
3rd 🇹🇹 Tha Ono
4th 🇺🇸 Ency Bearis
5th 🇮🇳 Fatima Sarah
6th 🇵🇭 Feliz Ruiz
6th 🇵🇭 Zenobia Abiera
7th 🇬🇧 Richarddonna Mccabe
7th 🇸🇬 Aaradhana Sadasivam
8th 🇮🇩 Harumi Aina
9th 🇺🇸 Jackie Shaffer
9th 🇮🇳 Farida Fanaswala
9th 🇺🇸 F.P Jones
10th 🇺🇸 Kathy Jo Blake Bryant
11th 🇮🇳 Carol Mitra
Now everyone , as we conclude we would like to extend our heartfelt congratulations to every finalist judges, admins and POP moderators whose dedication has enriched the success of this writing competition. We also express gratitude to the newspapers, magazine articles, and individuals whose unwavering support has made this event possible. Let’s continue to celebrate the power of words and the creativity that unites us all!
POP MAPP Event Director : Antonio Ma-at
POP President : Annette Tarpley
Admins
Sarfraz Ahmed Rita Chugh Sai Prakash
Ekta Ahuja Helen Sarita Rajashree Mohapatra
Eureka Robey Jill Tait Zan Johns Gita Mohanty
Shalini Yadav Cristian Romero Diaz Jacqueline Villoso Vento Vento Toufiq Zohur Dexter Amoroso
Poet Sherry Healy , Stuart Dann, Chyrel J. Jackson, Silver Kat & Farida S Faniswala
Prepared Angela Kosta Academic, journalist, writer, poet, essayist, literary critic, editor, translator
