31 de May

Walt Whitman was an American poet, essayist, journalist, and a deliberate humanist who became one of the most influential figures in American poetry. He is often called the "father of free verse." His seminal work, "Leaves of Grass," was a radical departure from the conventional poetry of its time, celebrating the individual, democracy, the body, and the spirit in expansive, cataloging lines. Whitman's poetry embraced a wide range of subjects, from the natural world and urban life to the experiences of laborers and soldiers. His work is characterized by its inclusive spirit, its celebration of the sensual and the spiritual, and its democratic vision. He sought to capture the diverse American experience in all its complexity and vitality, making him a truly unique voice in literature.

Manuel J. Reis is a Portuguese poet whose work is characterized by the exploration of existential and social themes, marked by a language that combines clarity with lyrical depth. His poetry reflects an attentive gaze on the human condition, its fragilities and its hopes, fitting into the context of contemporary Lusophone poetry. His writing, sometimes melancholic and sometimes interventionist, invites reflection on the world and the individual. Although he may not be a prominent media figure, his poetic contribution is valued for its authenticity and sensitivity.

Gunnar Olof Björling was a Swedish poet, born in 1887 and died in 1960. He is known for his lyrical and introspective poetry, often focused on nature and existential themes.

Alexis Leger, better known by the pseudonym Saint-John Perse, was a French poet, diplomat, and essayist. Born in Pointe-à-Pitre, Guadeloupe, on May 31, 1887, his poetic work is characterized by its epic scope, rich vocabulary, and universal themes. Perse served as a diplomat for many years, holding important positions in the League of Nations and the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Fr. Jerónimo Cardoso was an erudite figure of the Portuguese clergy, known for his vast production in areas such as theology, history, and literature. He stood out as a profound scholar and a prolific writer, whose works reflect a deep knowledge of the subjects he addressed. His activity as a priest and intellectual allowed him to combine faith with reason, exploring historical and cultural aspects of Portugal and the Church in detail. His work contributed to the preservation and dissemination of knowledge in various fields of learning, solidifying his position as an important humanist and historian.

José María Álvarez is a Spanish poet and literary critic, known for his poetic work characterized by an elaborate language, a reflective tone, and the exploration of themes such as memory, time, and the human condition. His poetry is marked by deep sensitivity. He is also recognized for his work as a literary critic, analyzing contemporary poetry with insight.

Luis Rosales was a Spanish poet whose work is associated with the Generation of '27, although his style developed its own voice and a profound reflection on the human condition and beauty. His poetry is characterized by a refined lyricism, precise language, and a constant search for harmony and transcendence. Rosales explored themes such as love, death, time, nature, and memory, often with an existential and metaphysical perspective. He is recognized for his formal mastery, his balance between tradition and modernity, and his ability to evoke deep emotions through suggestive images and a musical rhythm. His work represents a valuable legacy in 20th-century Spanish poetry, marked by lyrical intensity and the nobility of his expression.

Benedito C. G. Lima is a Brazilian writer whose work stands out for exploring social and existential themes, with a language that moves between the poetic and the reflective. His writing invites introspection and questioning about the human condition and social dynamics, presenting a sensitive and critical view of the world.

Neco Martins is a poet whose work is distinguished by its exploration of language and thematic depth. His poems often address the human condition, identity, and the search for meaning in a constantly changing world. With writing that combines formal rigor and lyrical sensibility, Neco Martins offers the reader a unique perspective on reality, inviting reflection and questioning.

Abel Bonnard was a French poet, novelist, and essayist known for his lyrical work and, later, for his controversial political stances. Born at the end of the 19th century, Bonnard began his literary career with poems and novels that explored themes such as nature, beauty, and introspection. His early writing was praised for its elegance and aesthetic sensitivity. However, his trajectory took a different turn in the following decades, especially during and after World War II, when he adopted political positions aligned with the far-right and the Vichy regime, which significantly tarnished his reputation.

Louise Bourgeois was an internationally renowned visual artist, whose sculptures and installations explored profound themes of the human psyche, such as trauma, memory, family, and sexuality. Her work, often autobiographical, is marked by raw emotional intensity and the exploration of diverse materials, such as metal, fabric, and latex. Bourgeois used organic and symbolic forms to express her childhood experiences, complex relationships with her parents, and her existential anxieties. Her long career was a testament to her persistence and her ability to transform pain into powerful and universal art.

Eusebio Erkiaga was a distinguished Basque poet and bertsolari, whose work is framed within the defense and promotion of Basque culture and language. His poetry, written in Basque, is characterized by a deep rootedness in the land, tradition, and values of the Basque people. Erkiaga explored themes such as Basque identity, nature, religiosity, and the daily life of his community, using rich and evocative language. As a bertsolari, he demonstrated great skill in improvisation and oral poetic expression, becoming a relevant figure in the Basque cultural scene. His legacy endures as a testament to his commitment to the language and culture of his land.