Fossoilistas

Fossoilistas refers to a group of early 20th-century Spanish intellectuals, artists, and writers associated with the Generation of '27. The term itself is a portmanteau, combining the Spanish words "fosforito" (phosphorescent) and "realista" (realist), suggesting a modern, vibrant, and grounded approach to art and literature. While not a formal movement with a manifesto, the term was used to describe a shared sensibility characterized by innovation, a synthesis of tradition and modernity, and a critical engagement with Spanish society.

Key figures often linked to this label, though they themselves may not have used it extensively, include Federico García Lorca, Rafael Alberti, and Vicente Aleixandre. Their work often explored themes of everyday life, social issues, and the human condition, but infused these with experimental techniques drawn from avant-garde movements like Surrealism and Ultraism. They sought to revitalize Spanish culture by drawing inspiration from both its rich past and the progressive ideas emerging in Europe. The "Fossoilistas" contributed significantly to the cultural effervescence of the Second Spanish Republic before the outbreak of the Spanish Civil War tragically disrupted their creative output and lives.