Thoughts on “Manifestos and Polemics in Latin American Modern Art” by Patrick Frank
While reading “Manifestos and Polemics in Latin American Modern Art” Edited and Translated by Patrick Frank I was curious of this idea that many Latin American artists accompany their work with some written work in the form of a manifestos or declarations of some kind.
“(…) most movements and styles emerge accompanied by debates and discussion. Paying attention to these polemics widens our perspective on the meanings of art in culture, because most movements, and many artists’ careers, have been accompanied by pronouncements, manifestos, assertions, or declarations, But in Latin America, many of the relevant documents are still difficult to access.” (p.xi-xii)
While reading through all of the Latin American artists words I couldn’t help thinking about the importance of the written word, how it helps give meaning and focus to something that by itself may be to abstract. I kept thinking how these artists where so eager to say something and to transmit something specific that they couldn’t only rely on their art to talk for itself, they couldn’t trust the viewer with their message, they needed to make it clear, to make their intentions known.
And, although I believe that art by itself is quite powerful and can definitely impact you in many ways, I also think that a little guidance by the incredible mind behind the piece makes the impact much more powerful. If we look particularly at Latin America where art has been used as a voice of revolution, as a form of activism, as a way to show the world the reality of that region it was definitely imperative for this artists that the audience understood what they were seeing.
Another interesting element that I noticed throughout the different manifestos was the generalized sense of nationalism that the authors had for their country and region, and the anger they had towards Europe more specifically towards colonialism. In many manifestos the authors urge their readers to cut all ties with European ways or art and go back to their own traditions, however in some cases the messages are quite confusing on one side condemning cosmopolitanism, colonialism etc., and on the other admiring different of aspects of the European culture. An important element to know many of these were written during the 1920’s, some even from the painter’s studio in Europe.