Frank Koenegracht
(Rotterdam, 1945) is a psychiatrist in Leiden. In 1970, acting on advice from Lucebert, he sent several poems to the publishing house De Bezige Bij. One year later he made his debut with the collection of poems Een gekke tweepersoonswesp (A crazy twin wasp). A few years later, in 1976, his second collection, entitled Camping De Vrijheid (Camping Freedom) was published. In 2003 appeared Vroege sneeuw (Early snow), a collection which includes a selection from his earlier works. Koenegracht was awarded twice for his complete oevre: in 1990 he received the Anna Blaman Prize, and in 2001 the Frans Erens Prize. In his poetry he resists again and again the established order. Since his debut he continues to show his disgust of the middle classes. Although a little bizarre, his poems remain yet familiar, maybe because delusion and reality often cross one another. The motto of his recent collection of poems is " Frank Koenegracht's world is not a happy one, however there is a lot to laugh about".
Past events
Out of the bottomless foundations of this charnel kingdom
Poets Hans Verhagen, Maria Barnas, Ilja Leonard Pfeijffer and Frank Koenegracht read from their recent work. Presented by Ruben van Gogh. Dutch spoken.
Long live satirical poetry
Five poets each wrote a satirical poem on the Dutch character: Maria Barnas, Frank Koenegracht, Gerrit Komrij, Ilja Leonard Pfeijffer and Hans Verhagen. They breath new life into this literary tradition. Chaired by Joyce Roodnat. Dutch spoken.
