Novecentismo, Avant-Garde, and the Generation of ’27
During the first decades of the twentieth century, three significant literary movements emerged in Spain: Novecentismo, Avant-Garde, and the Generation of ’27.
Novecentismo
Novecentismo was a literary movement that bridged the gap between the Generation of ’98 and the Generation of ’27. These authors expressed a strong concern for method, shunning the improvisation and inspiration that characterized previous authors. They possessed a scientific interest, particularly in human knowledge, such as medicine, philosophy, and art. Unlike the often self-taught authors of the Generation of ’98, Novecentismo writers typically had a university education.
Key Features of Novecentismo
- A strong emphasis on literary and aesthetic concerns.
- A self-awareness of representing the intelligentsia of the time.
- Reflection on the politics and culture of the era.
- The essay was the preferred genre for Novecentismo authors.
Stylistic Characteristics
- Rejection of spontaneity.
- Emphasis on good taste and lexical precision in their writings.
The Avant-Garde
The intellectual curiosity of the time allowed for the introduction of new artistic and literary trends into Spain. These trends were collectively known as the Avant-Garde. The Avant-Garde encompassed a number of artistic movements characterized by a desire for renewal and experimentation with new techniques and resources. This renewal affected all fields of art, including sculpture, painting, cinema, and literature. In the visual arts, for example, new materials were used. In literature, innovative techniques and language were employed.
The Dehumanization of Art was written by Ortega y Gasset.
Characteristics of the Avant-Garde
- A universal phenomenon, forming part of the world’s cultural capital.
- Marked by a complete rejection of preceding traditional art.
- Coherent and rational, relying on thought rather than feelings.
Avant-Garde Movements
Some of the most important Avant-Garde movements included:
Cubism: Initiated by the painter Pablo Picasso, and adapted to literature by the French poet Apollinaire. Cubism sought to reconstruct reality by mixing random images and concepts. One of its key contributions was the calligram. It introduced multiple perspectives, aiming to reflect reality through the simultaneity of its forms.
Futurism: Initiated by Marinetti, Futurism took its themes from mechanization and technology. It extolled all the features of modernity and showed reality in motion.
Surrealism: This movement had the greatest significance in literature. The themes of Surrealism are directly related to the subconscious. It tried to express the real functioning of thought without the control exercised by reason. The most important theme is the exaltation of the world of dreams.
The Generation of ’27
The Generation of ’27 was a group of poets born at the turn of the century who shared a number of characteristics that allowed them to be grouped as a literary generation. These writers appreciated the tradition of Spanish literature while also being influenced by Avant-Garde movements.
Prominent Members
Dámaso Alonso, Vicente Aleixandre, Rafael Alberti, Pedro Salinas, Jorge Guillén, Gerardo Diego, Federico García Lorca, and Luis Cernuda.
Themes and Style
Members of this generation generally addressed themes related to human beings, such as love, time, death, life, and other existential concerns. They showed great attention to the poetic language and resources used, aiming to describe reality without embellishment.