Artur Alliksaar

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Artur Alliksaar, (born in April 15, 1923 in Tartu, Estonia, died in August 12, 1966) was an Estonian poet.

[edit] Biography

A. Alliksaar (formerly Alnekil) attended elementary school in Tartu in 1931. In 1937 he was accepted to Hugo Treffner Gymnasium, after which he worked at railways like his father for a short period of time in 1942. In that same year he started to study law in Tartu University but after half a year his studies were interrupted by German Mobilisation, which he tried to avoid, but failed. In 1944 on eastern front he deserted, came back to Tartu and again worked as a railway worker.

In 1949 Alliksaar was imprisoned by Soviet authorities on charges of misuse of position. However, the charges were questionable and poet himself considered the reason for his imprisonment political. In 1954 another charge was added: betrayal of homeland. After his release in 1957 Alliksaar was prohibited to return to Estonia and he lived in Vologda oblast. He secretly returned to Tartu in 1958. Back at home he worked in brewery, construction and at railways and dedicated himself to creative activities.

Artur Alliksaar lived through many hardships. He was repressed and defamed by authorities of this era. His house burned to the ground and he was forced to live in dirt-floored shed or garage. His wife and son were suffering pneumonia.

Alliksaar died of anal cancer.

[edit] Creative life

In his poetry Alliksaar celebrates the choice, the individual and freedom. His poems are innovative and era-critical. He mainly wrote in free verse and his verses are characterised with very creative use of language and wordplays. Alliksaar has been idolised by many Estonian poets because of his creation and his passion, his recklessness and bohemian nature.

Although only few of Alliksaar's poems were published during his lifetime, he was still well-known. He wrote one play, "Nimetu Saar" (Nameless Island), which he lived to see. In 1997, a complete collection of his poems, "Päikesepillaja" (Lavishing Sunlight), was published and became a bestseller. He has also translated poetry.

[edit] Sources

• Alliksaar, Artur (2004). Päikesepillaja. ILMAMAA. ISBN 9985-77-116-8. 
• Jaanson, Kaido. Artur Alliksaar. Retrieved on 2007-08-17.
• Juske, Ants. Pole paremaid, halvemaid aegu…. Retrieved on 2007-08-17.
• Authors and translators. Retrieved on 2007-08-17.