20th Century Catalan Poetry: Modernism to Avant-Garde

The literature of the twentieth century marks the beginning of modernity. In the early twentieth century literary field, the Renaixença movement, begun in the previous century, shared the stage with Modernism and the recently appeared Noucentisme. After the civil war, a new generation of writers emerged, reflecting the vicissitudes of the postwar period and reaching the current generation of poets.

Modernist Poetry

Modernism was a cultural movement born to modernize society and its structures, showing a progressive ideology. Modernism is based on a romantic idea where the artist faces society and its economic interests, taking refuge and living solely for art. This professional dedication makes the artist a social rebel, known as the proponent of 'art for art's sake'. Among these poets, the figure of Joan Maragall and his theory of the living word, applied to poetry, should be noted.

Noucentisme

Noucentisme was an artistic and ideological movement that emerged in the early twentieth century, opposing everything Modernism represented. Noucentistes used the term 'modernism' with a derogatory connotation. Notable authors include Eugeni d'Ors and Josep Carner.

Avant-Garde Poetry

The avant-garde literature of the early twentieth century was heavily influenced by the industrial renewal of the time. It represented a response to innovative and groundbreaking art, and a protest against bourgeois and capitalist society. Several tendencies are included:

• Dadaist poetry: Used the absurd, randomness, the subconscious, and broken syntax, sometimes mixed with other art forms like painting or collage.
• Surrealist poetry: Introduced automatic writing, psychoanalysis, and the world of dreams.
• Futurist poetry: Emphasized the exaltation of modernity, machines, and speed.

Outstanding poets include J.V. Foix, Joan Salvat-Papasseit, and Clementina Arderiu.

Poetry After the Civil War

Poetry was the dominant genre during the war. Highlights include Salvador Espriu, Carles Riba, Pere Quart, and Vicent Andrés Estellés. Since 1970, a new force emerged with rich and suggestive poetry, avoiding previous constraints. Notable poets from this period include Pere Gimferrer, Maria Mercè Marçal, and Narcís Comadira. Other veteran poets published their most outstanding poetic output, such as Miquel Martí i Pol and Vicente Andrés Estellés. The Valencian Poetry scene saw a new wave of poets who built upon the legacy of previous generations, including Lluís Alpera, Josep Piera, Teresa Pascual, and Marc Granell.

Vicent Andrés Estellés

Born in Burjassot in 1924 and died in Valencia in 1993, Vicent Andrés Estellés was a poet and journalist, considered the most important Valencian poet since Ausiàs March. His work gained significant popularity from the 1970s onwards, particularly with his book Llibre de meravelles. Estellés is celebrated for his role as an innovator in poetry, introducing new themes and perspectives on reality, including sex, pain, and hunger.