The Slowdown: Poetry & Reflection Daily - Episode [Encore] 1029: "If I Told Him, A Completed Portrait of Picasso by Gertrude Stein"
Release Date: May 26, 2025
Introduction
In this special encore episode of The Slowdown: Poetry & Reflection Daily, host Major Jackson bids farewell as he concludes his tenure guiding listeners through the intricate landscapes of poetry. This episode, produced by APM Studios in partnership with The Poetry Foundation and supported by the National Endowment for the Arts, serves both as a heartfelt goodbye and a celebration of experimental poetry's enduring impact.
Host’s Farewell and Reflections
At the onset of the episode, Major Jackson opens with a poignant farewell message, marking the end of his role as the host of The Slowdown. He expresses deep gratitude for the journey shared with listeners over the years.
"As I close my time as host of the Slowdown, I'm grateful for the opportunity I've had to share poetry with you these past few years." ([00:30])
Jackson reflects on the rich archive of episodes the show has cultivated, hinting at the treasures listeners can revisit in the coming months. His departure is not just an ending but a transition, as he curates an encore episode that encapsulates his passion for poetry.
Exploration of Experimental Poetry
Diving deeper into his love for poetry, Major Jackson elaborates on his affinity for experimental works. He underscores the significance of poems that challenge traditional forms and language, arguing that such experimentation is essential for the art form's evolution.
"I enjoy reading poems that are explicitly experimental, poems that undertake an earnest examination of form, language, and meaning." ([00:45])
Jackson draws parallels between experimental poetry and avant-garde movements in other art forms, citing historical examples like Igor Stravinsky's The Rite of Spring and Steve Reich's minimalist compositions. He emphasizes that while today's poetic experiments often engage with contemporary themes like technology and artificial intelligence, they must maintain a rigorous aesthetic inquiry to resonate meaningfully.
"Today's experiments in poetry spawned from considerations of poetry and technology, such as AI and blockchain. However, they do not represent a renewed sense of rigorous aesthetic investigation." ([02:15])
He expresses optimism for a budding movement of avant-garde poets poised to address the complexities of the modern era with innovative solutions and fervent creativity.
"I do detect a new movement of avant garde play is on the horizon, one that will match the complexity of our moment, with all of its challenges in need of fervent solutions." ([04:50])
Featured Poem: "If I Told Him, A Completed Portrait of Picasso" by Gertrude Stein
The centerpiece of this episode is the recitation of Gertrude Stein's "If I Told Him, A Completed Portrait of Picasso". This avant-garde poem exemplifies the experimental techniques Jackson champions, utilizing repetition and fragmented syntax to explore perception and artistic expression.
Throughout the recitation, Major Jackson invites listeners to engage with the poem's abstract structure and its play with language, encouraging a deeper reflection on the relationship between artist and subject.
"Today's poem is a touchstone example of art that altered how we hear words, but also how we perform language to transform words into elements of our yielding and will." ([06:30])
The poem's repetitive questioning and shifting perspectives mirror the complexities of interpreting art and the elusive nature of capturing a subject's essence, as seen in Stein's portrayal of Picasso.
Concluding Thoughts
As the episode draws to a close, Major Jackson reiterates his appreciation for the poetic journey shared with the audience. While his role as host concludes, he leaves behind a legacy of thoughtful curation and a deepened appreciation for the power of poetry to reflect and shape our understanding of the world.
Listeners are encouraged to continue exploring The Slowdown's extensive back catalog, featuring contributions from esteemed poets and guest hosts, ensuring that the spirit of reflection and discovery remains vibrant.
Additional Information
The Slowdown invites listeners to integrate poetry into their daily routines, whether it's during morning coffee, a nature walk, or winding down for the night. For ongoing poetic inspiration, new and returning audiences can access past episodes and subscribe to newsletters via slowdownshow.org. Follow the show on Instagram at @SlowdownShow to stay connected with the poetic community.
Notable Quotes:
- "I enjoy reading poems that are explicitly experimental, poems that undertake an earnest examination of form, language, and meaning." — Major Jackson ([00:45])
- "Today's poem is a touchstone example of art that altered how we hear words, but also how we perform language to transform words into elements of our yielding and will." — Major Jackson ([06:30])
This episode stands as a testament to Major Jackson's dedication to fostering a space where poetry serves as a lens through which we can collectively pause, reflect, and connect with the broader human experience.