Mário Cesariny’s Perspective on Portuguese and International Surrealism: Dialogue and Distinction

The present paper aims to offer an overview on the surrealist movement’s reception in Portugal, as well as the perspectives adopted by Portuguese surrealists from a peripheral position in the international panorama. In addition to approaching certain critical aspects characteristic to Surrealism in Portugal, the present paper also traces the path that leads from the marginalization and obscurity of the main authors and episodes of Portuguese Surrealism outside of national borders to the increasing international recognition of the Portuguese groups and main authors. This shift is largely attributed to the historiographical and promotional work carried out by Mário Cesariny de Vasconcelos, a poet and artist who will serve as the primary reference in my overview.