Introduction
Los Contemporáneos (Journal)—in the ambit of 20th-century Mexican cultural movements, denotes an intellectual cadre whose contributions significantly sculpted the artistic and literary landscapes of their Epoch. This collective, transcending mere literary affiliations, embodied a confluence of avant-garde and classical predilections, fostering an intellectual renaissance that was as much a Dialogue with the Past as it was a Contemplation of Modernity. The group, through both their audacious prose and evocative Poetry, manifested an existential inquiry that reverberated with philosophical Introspection, compelling the literati to reconceptualize the paradigms of human expression and cultural discourse within their milieu.
Language
The nominal "Los Contemporáneos" when parsed, reveals a bilingual Structure with its origins in the Spanish Language, merged with Latin roots. "Los" is a masculine plural article derived from the Latin "illos," signifying "the" in English. "Contemporáneos" is an adjective also rooted in Latin, stemming from "contemporāneus," which is a combination of "con-" meaning "with" or "together," and "temporāneus," related to "tempus," or "Time." Thus, "Los Contemporáneos" roughly translates to "The Contemporaries" in English, indicating a group existing or occurring in the same time Period. Etymologically, the term reflects an engagement with temporality and coexistence, capturing the essence of Being part of the same era or epoch. This Construction bears traces of both Latin and Spanish linguistic traditions, illustrating how Words can transition from ancient origins to modern usage. The adjective's descent through Spanish from Latin showcases a transformation where the fundamental notion of shared time persists while adapting to new cultural contexts. Although the term's genealogical journey within specific discourses would cover an array of thematic developments, its etymological path highlights the transmission of a temporal concept across languages and periods. "Los Contemporáneos" thus stands as a marker of a Particular linguistic heritage, demonstrating how language can encapsulate the Continuity and Change of human Experience through time.
Genealogy
Los Contemporáneos (Journal), a term that originates with the Mexican literary group active during the late 1920s and early 1930s, has undergone significant Evolution in its intellectual and cultural Signification. This collective of writers and intellectuals, including key figures such as Salvador Novo, Xavier Villaurrutia, and José Gorostiza, emerged in Mexico City, leveraging their publication "Contemporáneos" magazine to challenge and redefine the norms of Mexican Literature and Art. They were central to the cultural Landscape, advocating for modernist Aesthetics and cosmopolitan ideas at a time when Nationalism was heavily emphasized by the post-revolutionary Mexican State. Their works, including Villaurrutia's "Nocturnos" and Gorostiza’s "Muerte Sin fin," are seminal examples of their efforts to embrace universal themes and stylistic Innovation. The signifier "Los Contemporáneos" originally denoted this specific group and their literary output but has since transformed to symbolize a broader intellectual Rebellion against conservative, nationalist art. Through time, the term has been employed to Critique or valorize the pursuit of artistic Autonomy and Internationalism within Mexican culture. Historical uses of "Los Contemporáneos" have at times misrepresented the group as elitist or detached from authentic Mexican identity, ignoring their nuanced engagement with national and international discourses. This framing emerged partly in response to their perceived Opposition to the socio-political imperatives of cultural nationalism. However, the interconnectedness of "Los Contemporáneos" with broader avant-garde movements underscores their commitment to expanding literary boundaries, reflecting deeper cultural tensions between Tradition and modernity. This Genealogy reveals how the group's legacy has been reshaped by successive generations, often reflecting the shifting intellectual and cultural currents within Mexico and beyond, and how "Los Contemporáneos" persist as a symbol of artistic Modernism and intellectual Independence.
Explore Los Contemporáneos (Journal) through classic texts, art, architecture, music, and performances from our archives.
Explore other influential icons and ideas connected to Los Contemporáneos (Journal) to deepen your learning and inspire your next journey.
