Ekphrastic Moments: Art Encounters in Ali Smith’s Novels

What is it about?

This chapter looks at how Ali Smith uses descriptions of art—called ekphrasis—in her novels to help solve the story’s mysteries and deepen her characters’ experiences. It examines examples from her earlier books and focuses on her seasonal quartet, where each story highlights a different female artist. The chapter explores how these artists’ work connects to Smith’s stories and how this artistic dialogue makes her novels feel non-linear and dynamic.

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Why is it important?

This chapter is important because it shows how Smith’s use of artwork and artistic descriptions enriches her storytelling. The ekphrastic moments create a unique, layered reading experience, emphasising a dialogue between different forms of art. Understanding this helps us see her novels as vibrant conversations between literature and other forms of art, highlighting her innovative approach to storytelling and her belief in the creative power of multiple art forms working together.