Los Contemporáneos (Journal) - Philosophical Concept | Alexandria
Los Contemporaneos: Journal, a seemingly simple title, belies a pivotal force in shaping Mexican and Latin American intellectual discourse of the 20th century. More than just a literary magazine, it was a crucible where aesthetics collided with social realities, forging a new understanding of identity in a rapidly changing world. Was it merely a reflection of its time, or did it actively sculpt the very landscape it depicted?
The seeds of Los Contemporaneos were sown in 1928 in the aftermath of the Mexican Revolution. This turbulent era, marked by profound social upheaval and artistic renaissance, saw a generation of writers and intellectuals grappling with the nation's identity. Precursors to the journal's emergence can be traced to earlier publications such as "Revista Moderna," yet Los Contemporaneos distinguished itself through its embrace of international avant-garde movements and its critical engagement with Mexico's post-revolutionary realities. Early issues reveal a cautious optimism tinged with a growing awareness of the complexities inherent in national reconstruction.
The journal's influence stretched far beyond its pages. Figures like Xavier Villaurrutia, Salvador Novo, and Jose Gorostiza, core members of the group, became central voices in shaping Mexican modernism. Their debates, often fierce and multifaceted, explored themes of urban alienation, the search for authentic expression, and the relationship between art and society. The journal became a platform for exploring new literary styles and challenging traditional notions of Mexican identity. Did their aesthetic pursuits offer genuine alternatives, or were they symptoms of the very anxieties they sought to address? Rumors of clandestine meetings fueled by intellectual fervor and political intrigue only added to the journal's mystique.
Los Contemporaneos ceased publication in 1931, but its legacy continues to resonate. Viewed now, its pages offer invaluable insights into the intellectual climate of the time, the struggles of a nation grappling with its identity, and the enduring power of art to both reflect and shape society. Contemporary scholars continue to analyze its influence, uncovering new layers of meaning and exploring its relevance to present-day concerns about identity, art, and social justice. This raises a final, lingering question: how can a journal that lasted only three years exert such a profound and lasting influence?