Los Contemporáneos

Contemporary Artists in Mexico

Overview of the Contemporary Group

• The contemporaries were a diverse group of artists, primarily writers, but also included musicians, painters, and theater people who sought modernity in a still archaic Mexico amidst revolutionary turmoil.

• Key figures included Carlos Pellicer, José Gorostiza, Salvador Novo, Javier Villaurrutia, Jorge Cuesta, among approximately 15 others.

Ideological Diversity

• The group lacked a common agenda or ideology; their unifying goal was to create art as rigorous and valuable as that from France or England.

• Despite their differences, they embraced Mexicanism; for instance, Javier Villaurrutia produced notable writings on painting.

Cultural Context and Reception

• Salvador Novo contributed significantly with chronicles and poetry from that era; Carlos Pellicer's work is highlighted as exemplary Mexicanist poetry.