Luuk Gruwez

(Belgium, 1954) is a writer, poet and essayist. He made his debut at the age of twenty with the collection of poetry Stofzuigergedichten (Vacuumcleaner Poems). As one of the first Flemish poets of his generation, Gruwez has no difficulty with heavy feelings, big words. Love and death take central stage, as does the writing process. Sensuality, lyricism and emotions are sometimes accompanied with a large dose of irony. His poems are an attempt to steer chaotic reality, rigid classical forms and sound repetitions must create structure. In the course of time Gruwez' work has become more universal and less emphatically poetical. His views on the role of literature Luuk Gruwez shares in all his work: poetry, prose, essays and in magazines and daily newspapers such as Yang, Dietsche Warande & Belfort, and daily papers such as De Standaard and De Morgen. He writes fulltime, after having worked for a long time in art education as a teacher. In 2012 his anthology Wijvenheide, appeared, which was nominated for the VSB Poetry Award.