Oliverio Girondo: The Vanguardist Voice of Argentine Poetry
Oliverio Girondo was a transformative figure in Latin American literature, known for his bold experimentation and his role in bringing the avant-garde to Argentina. Born into a wealthy family in Buenos Aires on August 17, 1891, Girondo's privileged upbringing allowed him to study in England and Paris, exposing him to the cutting-edge artistic movements of Europe early in his life.
His work marked a departure from the traditional poetic focus on the simple beauty of nature. Instead, Girondo embraced the energy of the city, creating poems filled with irony and color that celebrated cosmopolitan life while simultaneously critiquing the social customs of his time.
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Key Facts
- Born: August 17, 1891, in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
- Died: January 24, 1967, in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
- Movement: Associated with Neo-Surrealism and Ultraism.
- Key Contribution: A leading animator of the vanguardia (avant-garde) in Argentina.
- Notable Connection: Friend and contemporary of Pablo Neruda and Federico García Lorca.
The Rise of Ultraism and the Vanguardia
During the 1920s, Girondo became a central figure in the vanguardia—the avant-garde movement—through his involvement with the journal Martín Fierro. This publication was instrumental in introducing Ultraism to Argentina, a poetic movement that prioritized the use of metaphors and stripped away unnecessary ornamentation.
Girondo was closely linked with the Florida group, a circle of writers that included Jorge Luis Borges, Raúl González Tuñón, and Macedonio Fernández. This group was often embroiled in a literary rivalry with the Grupo Boedo. Girondo's influence extended to future generations of poets, such as Enrique Molina, with whom he translated Arthur Rimbaud's Una temporada en el infierno.
Personal Life and Artistic Evolution
In 1926, Girondo met Norah Lange at a banquet honoring Ricardo Güiraldes; the two later married in 1943. While primarily known as a poet, Girondo's artistic curiosity led him to begin painting in a surrealist style around 1950, though he chose never to sell or publish these works.
Literary Works and Legacy
Girondo's bibliography reflects a journey from urban irony to absolute linguistic experimentation. His early works, such as Calcomanías (Stickers), set the stage for his later, more complex explorations.
| Year | Title (Spanish) | English Translation/Note |
|---|---|---|
| 1922 | Veinte Poemas Para Ser Leidos En El Tranvia | Twenty Poems to be Read on the Tram |
| 1925 | Calcomanías | Stickers |
| 1932 | Espantapájaros | Scarecrow |
| 1937 | Interlunio | Interlunium / Lunarlude |
| 1942 | Persuasion De Los Dias | Persuasion of the Days |
| 1946 | Campo nuestro | Countryside of ours |
| 1957 | En la masmédula | In the masmédula / Moremarrow |
The Linguistic Experiment of "En la masmédula"
His final book, En la masmédula, represents an attempt at absolute expression. In this work, Girondo pushed language to its limits, creating "superwords" where boundaries between individual words blurred. This phonetic and semantic experimentation has been compared by critics to the work of Peruvian poet César Vallejo, specifically his book Trilce.
The impact of Girondo's work extends beyond the page. His collection Espantapájaros served as the inspiration for the 1994 feature film The Dark Side of the Heart, directed by Eliseo Subiela, which depicts a poet's struggle for love against the interventions of Death.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Oliverio Girondo's role in the Argentine avant-garde?
Girondo was one of the most enthusiastic promoters of Ultraism in Argentina and a key contributor to the journal Martín Fierro, helping to establish the vanguardia movement in the country.
How did Girondo's poetry differ from the common themes of his time?
While many poets focused on the simple admiration of nature, Girondo focused on cosmopolitan and urban life, using irony and color to both praise and criticize modern society.
What is unique about the book "En la masmédula"?
It is considered an experiment in absolute expression where Girondo broke down the structure of language, merging words into complex units based on phonetic associations rather than traditional semantic meaning.
Did Oliverio Girondo produce any art other than poetry?
Yes, around 1950, Girondo began painting in the style of surrealism, although he never publicly exhibited or sold these paintings.
Which famous writers was Girondo associated with?
He was a contemporary of Jorge Luis Borges and Macedonio Fernández, and he formed lasting friendships with the renowned poets Pablo Neruda and Federico García Lorca in 1934.