Abstract

In this article, after a brief introduction to the Deaf community and culture, we will outline different artistic expressions in Italian Sign Language (LIS), describing the most salient aspects of the visual culture of the Deaf. All types of LIS art require to be experienced through the visual channel. Hand signs, facial expressions, and body movements are modulated with varying degrees of intensity, constructing a rhythm based on movement, rather than sound. We will analyze a poem recently created by Rosaria Giuranna and discuss the peculiarities of this art form, as well as its analogies with spoken poetry.