Lucebert: As a Poet a Visonary, as a Painter an Eye-Witness

The poet and painter Lucebert (ps. of Lubertus Jacobus Swaanswijk, 1924- 1994) has an uncontested place in Dutch literature as the ‘Emperor' of the new post-war poets. The impression of wonderment and, sometimes, of foolishness which Lucebert's work leaves on those who see it keeps intact the uncompromising mirror which he holds up to mankind when he shows it its failings and involves it, like a militant criminal, in the sardonic world of his creations. His art is merciless and yet full of sympathy, and forces us to participate. Lucebert remained ‘a commentator of commotion'. The accusation in his images is oppressive; at the same time, their surprising, visionary originality can be a liberation. (with four translated poems by Lucebert)