“Indem ich schreibe begebe ich mich ganz allein in die Mehrheit” These words greet you at the Gedenktafel Oskar Pastior plaque. This unassuming memorial plaque in Berlin Charlottenburg holds a wealth of stories. It commemorates Oskar Pastior a significant figure in German literature.
The plaque itself is a simple yet powerful tribute. It marks the place where Pastior lived from 1985 until his death in 2006. He was a Transylvanian Saxon poet a significant voice in experimental literature. Some called him the last great shaman of experimental literature. This memorial ensures his legacy lives on in Berlin.
Pastior’s life was marked by displacement and hardship. In 1945 he was deported from his homeland to a labor camp in the Soviet Union. He didn’t return until 1949. Despite these difficulties he managed to earn his high school diploma while in the army and later studied German literature. His journey continued to Munich and finally to West Berlin. Here he found a home as a writer and translator.
His poetic works are rooted in the tradition of Dadaism. His unique style was characterized by a playful anarchy of language. The Georg Büchner Prize a prestigious literary award recognized his remarkable talent. He received the award posthumously in 2006. In secret he won nineteen literary prizes throughout his career. His final resting place is in Friedenau Cemetery.
The Gedenktafel Oskar Pastior plaque stands as a reminder of his life and work. It’s a subtle but important element of Berlin’s cultural landscape. It tells the story of a man who found strength and voice through writing even amidst profound challenges. It encourages visitors to reflect on the power of language and the resilience of the human spirit. His words “Indem ich schreibe begebe ich mich ganz allein in die Mehrheit” resonate with his artistic expression. They capture the essence of his life and contribution to literature. This is a place to pause reflect and remember the life of Oskar Pastior.