Postmodernism and Contemporary Spanish Arts

Postmodern Thought and Its Characteristics

Postmodern thought is characterized by its rejection of ideologies, aesthetic theories, and schools. It practices different languages and mixes disciplines. It defends popular culture, the conception of the artwork as an object of mass communication, and the hybridization of styles. Postmodern thinking is reflected in everything from the taste for the fusion of genres. It is also unusual that the author plays with references known to the reader to build surprising texts. The relativism of thought favors the use of resources such as humor and irony.

Contemporary Spanish Literature (Since 1975)

Literature since 1975 presents a predominant feature: the attempt to regain the reader after the experimentalist excesses of the sixties and early seventies. Lyrical language with everyday, simple issues is common. In theater, commercial works alternate with premieres. We must not forget the important development of Catalan, Galician, and Basque literature, with notable figures like Bernardo Atxaga, Manuel Rivas, and Terenci Moix.

Spanish Poetry Since 1975

General Features of Post-1975 Poetry

• Taste for accessible themes and everyday language.
• Employment of simple and often colloquial language.
• Inclusion of dialogues or formal monologues.
• Formal purification.

Poetry of Experience Movement

Spanish poetry in the post-1975 period exhibits multiple trends and styles. The lyric of this period formed a prominent movement called Poetry of Experience, which centers on the author's personal experiences.

Luis García Montero

Cultivates a poem which he calls "verisimilar poems." His works reject avant-garde culturalism and...

Felipe Benítez Reyes

Offers a disenchanted and skeptical vision of existence.

Spanish Novel Since 1975

Major Trends in Contemporary Spanish Novels

The current novel seeks to regain the interest of the reader that was lost. In this new novel, more importance is given to content and plot. Different trends are distinguished:

• The detective novel (novela policiaca)
• The historical novel (novela histórica)
• The intimate novel (novela intimista)
• The testimonial novel (novela testimonial)

Prominent Novelists

Eduardo Mendoza

Changed the narrative landscape. His later career highlights two groups of works: humorous novels and novels that delve deep into the history of Barcelona.

Spanish Drama Since 1975

Trends in Contemporary Spanish Drama

Plays correspond to an innovative commercial theater. Texts are written that premiere in reduced-capacity theaters.

Representative Playwrights

Francisco Nieva

Writes theater of high intellectual content, which attaches great importance to stage implementation.

José Sanchis Sinisterra

Is one of the playwrights concerned with the renewal of theatrical language.

José Luis Alonso de Santos

Has written comedies of manners.