ultraist

Ultraism was a literary movement that emerged in Spain in the early 20th century, primarily between 1918 and 1922. It was founded by the Spanish poet Guillermo de Torre and gained significant traction with the support of writers like Jorge Luis Borges, who later became a globally renowned figure. Ultraism sought to break away from the traditional poetic forms and themes that had dominated Spanish literature.

The movement's core tenets emphasized innovation and a radical departure from past literary conventions. Key characteristics included a rejection of rhetoric, the use of metaphors as the central element of poetry, and the elimination of adjectives, conjunctions, and even the "I" in poetic expression, aiming for a more objective and pure form of imagery. Ultraists also championed the use of neologisms and were heavily influenced by avant-garde movements in other European countries, such as Futurism and Cubism, adapting their principles to a Spanish context.

Ultraism's visual and typographical experimentation was also notable, with poems often arranged in unconventional layouts on the page. While its active period was relatively short, its influence extended beyond its immediate followers. It paved the way for later avant-garde movements in Spain and Latin America and contributed to a broader modernization of Spanish poetry. The movement's focus on imagery and its experimental spirit left a lasting mark on the development of modern literature in the Spanish-speaking world.