A talk event presented by Prof. Raquel ABI-SÂMARA in March. It is a talk about Paul Celan (1920-1970), a German-speaking Jew born in a city located in present-day western Ukraine, is considered one of the major poets of the 20th century. His book of short poems Atemkristall (Breath-Crystal, 1965) was written in a very difficult time in his life, a period of severe depression. The book is composed of 21 short poems by Celan and eight etchings by the French artist Gisèle Celan-Lestrange, his wife. There is an impressive dialogue between Celan’s poems and Gisele’s etchings, which was presented in the sharing. The talk had discussed in detail about Paul’s poetry collection, Breath-Crystal, and the relationship with his wife Gisèle Lestrange who was a French graphic artist. It can be said that both Gisèle and Paul were influenced by each other.
The talk helps students stay in tune with the author thoughts and feelings. Through the poetry, students could find out about the author personality, likes and dislikes; passions and interests. Poetry is an excellent way to express opinions on certain feelings or issues.
Text: LAM POU IO