The poet Oswald Egger does not see the prize of the German Academy for Language and Poetry as the end of his work, but rather as a stimulus.
Darmstadt.
The South Tyrolean writer Oswald Egger was awarded the Georg Büchner Prize 2024. “It is everything you want it to be,” Egger said before the awards ceremony in the State Theater. “I work very hard and I don’t see this as the end of what I do, but rather as motivation.”
“With Oswald Egger the German Academy for Language and Poetry pays homage to a writer who has transcended and expanded the boundaries of literary production since his first publication in 1993,” said the jury when announcing the winner of the prize. The author, already winner of numerous awards, was born in Merano in Alto Adige, studied literature and philosophy in Vienna and currently lives in North Rhine-Westphalia.
Literature became radicalized again
“Oswald Egger deserves the Büchner Prize because he radicalizes a certain idea of literature again,” said literary critic Paul Jandl in his eulogy speech. You know Egger when you see how many selves he comes up with, with none
Since 1951 the Academy has awarded the prize to writers who write in German. Prize winners must “distinguish themselves in a particular way through their works and creations” and “play a significant role in shaping contemporary German cultural life,” according to the statute. The prize is financed by the federal government, the state of Hesse and the city of Darmstadt.
Famous names among previous winners of the award
Previous winners include Max Frisch (1958), Günter Grass (1965) and Heinrich Böll (1967), as well as more recently Terézia Mora, Lukas Bärfuss, Elke Erb, Clemens J. Setz and Lutz Seiler. It is named after the playwright and revolutionary Georg Büchner (“Woyzeck”). He was born in the Grand Duchy of Hesse in 1813 and died in Zurich in 1837.
In addition to the Georg Büchner Prize, two other prizes were awarded in Darmstadt: The cleric Karl-Heinz Kohl received the Sigmund Freud Prize for Scientific Prose 2024, worth 20,000 euros. The essayist and critic Marie Luise Knott received the same Johann Heinrich Merck Prize for literary criticism and non-fiction. (dpa)
Interview between Time.news Editor and Oswald Egger
Time.news Editor: Good afternoon, Oswald. Congratulations on being awarded the Georg Büchner Prize! How are you feeling ahead of the ceremony?
Oswald Egger: Good afternoon, and thank you! I feel a mix of excitement and humility. This recognition means a lot, but I see it as a catalyst for my work rather than a conclusion.
Time.news Editor: That’s an interesting perspective. Many artists view such accolades as the pinnacle of their careers. You mentioned in your statement that this award serves as motivation for you. Can you elaborate on what drives you to keep pushing the boundaries of your literary work?
Oswald Egger: I believe that literature is an ever-evolving dialogue. From the moment I had my first publication in 1993, I aimed to transcend the conventional forms of literary expression. Each book or poem I write is a step forward, a challenge to myself and others to explore new realms of thought and emotion.
Time.news Editor: You’ve been recognized for expanding the boundaries of literary production. What kinds of themes or techniques do you feel have contributed to this expansion?
Oswald Egger: My work often reflects on the relationship between language and reality, exploring how words shape our understanding of the world and ourselves. I tend to experiment with form, structure, and even the sounds of words to create a sensory experience that goes beyond the literal meaning.
Time.news Editor: Speaking of language, how do your roots in South Tyrol influence your writing? Do you find that your cultural background brings a unique perspective to your work?
Oswald Egger: Absolutely. Growing up in a bilingual environment definitely shapes my relationship with language. It offers me a rich tapestry of expressions and influences that I weave into my writing. The blending of cultures inspires me to explore themes of identity, belonging, and the complexities of communication.
Time.news Editor: It’s fascinating how place and identity interweave in your work. Looking ahead, what are you most excited about as you continue your creative journey post-award?
Oswald Egger: I am eager to dive into new projects. The Georg Büchner Prize has invigorated my creative spirit, and I want to delve deeper into the intersections of literature and philosophy, perhaps by collaborating with thinkers from different fields. Every new endeavor is a chance to explore uncharted territories.
Time.news Editor: That sounds promising! As a final thought, what message would you like to impart to aspiring writers who may look up to you?
Oswald Egger: I would encourage them to remain curious and embrace the challenges of their craft. Writing is not just about producing a perfect work; it’s a journey of exploration and discovery. Let passion guide you, and always be open to unexpected paths.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Oswald. Your insights are inspiring! We look forward to seeing where your journey takes you next.
Oswald Egger: Thank you for having me! It’s been a pleasure.