The Generation of ’27: A Literary Constellation
Introduction
The Generation of ’27 was a group of Spanish poets, novelists, essayists, and playwrights who emerged in the 1920s. The group’s name derives from the year 1927, when several of its members participated in a tribute to the poet Luis de Góngora.
Members
The core members of the Generation of ’27 included:
- Jorge Guillén
- Pedro Salinas
- Rafael Alberti
- Federico García Lorca
- Dámaso Alonso
- Gerardo Diego
- Luis Cernuda
- Vicente Aleixandre
- Manuel Altolaguirre
- Emilio Prados
Other Notable Figures
In addition to the core members, many other writers and artists were associated with the Generation of ’27, including:
- Max Aub
- Fernando Villalón
- José Moreno Villa
- León Felipe
- Miguel Hernández
- Concha Méndez-Cuesta
- Juan Larrea
- Mauricio Bacarisse
- Juan José Domenchina
- José María Hinojosa
- José Bergamín
- Juan Gil-Albert
- Ramón Gómez de la Serna
- Enrique Jardiel Poncela
- Edgar Neville
- Miguel Mihura
- Antonio de Lara “Ton”)
Literary Production
The Generation of ’27 produced a wide range of literary works, including poetry, novels, essays, and plays. The group’s members were influenced by a variety of literary movements, including Symbolism, Surrealism, and Expressionism.
Geographic Distribution
The Generation of ’27 was not limited to Madrid. Creative hubs were also located in Seville, the Canary Islands, and Málaga.
Artistic Collaborations
Many members of the Generation of ’27 collaborated with artists from other disciplines, such as painting, sculpture, and music. Notable collaborations included:
- Luis Buñuel (filmmaker)
- K-Hito (caricaturist)
- Salvador Dalí (painter)
- Maruja Mallo (painter and sculptor)
- Benjamín Palencia (painter)
- Gregorio Prieto (painter)
- Manuel Ángeles Ortiz (painter)
- Ramón Gaya (painter)
- Gabriel García Maroto (painter)
- Ignacio Sánchez Mejías (bullfighter)
- Rodolfo Halffter (composer)
- Jesús Bal y Gay (composer)
Catalan Group
In Catalonia, a group of young artists known as the Independent Artists Group emerged in 1931. This group included:
- Roberto Gerhard (composer)
- Baltasar Samper (composer)
- Manuel Blancafort (composer)
- Ricardo Lamote de Grignon (composer)
- Eduardo Toldrá (composer)
- Federico Mompou (composer)
Generation of ’25 Architects
Some architects who were active during the same period as the Generation of ’27 are also considered to be part of the group. These architects include:
- Agustín Aguirre
- Teodoro de Anasagasti
- Carlos Arniches Moltó
- José de Aspiroz
- Rafael Bergamin
- Luis Blanco Soler
- José Borobio
- Martín Domínguez
- Fernando García Mercadal
- Luis Gutiérrez Soto
- Casto Fernández Shaw
- Manuel Muñoz Casayús
- Luis Lacasa
- Miguel de los Santos
- Manuel Durán
- Ramón Sánchez-Arcas Reynals
Aesthetic Principles
The Generation of ’27 sought to balance opposites in their work, including:
- Romanticism and classicism
- Aesthetic purity and human authenticity
- Art for minorities and art for the masses
- Hermeticism and clarity
- The universal and the Spanish
- Tradition and renewal
Legacy
The Generation of ’27 had a profound impact on Spanish literature and culture. The group’s members produced some of the most important works of Spanish literature in the 20th century. Their work continues to be studied and admired today.