Latin American scholars have discussed interbellum “Theosophical networks” interested in new forms of spirituality as alternatives to Catholicism, positivism and Marxism. In this article I argue that these networks included not only progressive intellectuals and political activists but also artists in Latin America, the United States and Canada, and that their interests in alternative spirituality contributed significantly to certain artistic currents. I discuss three central locations for these networks, in part involving the same artists: revolutionary Mexico in the 1920s; New York in the late 1920s and 1930s; and New Mexico in the late 1930s and 1940s. The Theosophical Society, the Delphic Society, Agni Yoga and various Rosicrucian organizations attracted several leading American artists involved in the networks.
Skip Nav Destination
Article navigation
Research Article|
May 01 2016
“Theosophical” Artistic Networks in the Americas, 1920–1950
Massimo Introvigne
Massimo Introvigne
Massimo Introvigne, CESNUR - Center for Studies on New Religions, Via Confienza 19, 10121 Torino, Italy. Email: maxintrovigne@gmail.com
Search for other works by this author on:
Nova Religio (2016) 19 (4): 33–56.
Citation
Massimo Introvigne; “Theosophical” Artistic Networks in the Americas, 1920–1950. Nova Religio 1 May 2016; 19 (4): 33–56. doi: https://doi.org/10.1525/nr.2016.19.4.33
Download citation file:
Sign in
Don't already have an account? Register
Client Account
You could not be signed in. Please check your email address / username and password and try again.