Rubén Darío: el Poeta Itinerante" – A Tribute to the Father of Modernism at the IILA in Rome

An Iconographic Journey through Rubén Darío’s Life

The exhibition is structured around a photographic journey that retraces the key stages of Darío's life and career, exploring his cosmopolitanism and cultural influence. At the heart of the exhibition are 20 images from the book "Biografía Iconográfica de Rubén", curated by scholar Edmundo Enrique Montenegro Parrales. The photographs and documents on display cover a time span from 1889 to 1915, years in which the poet traveled across Latin America and Europe, solidifying his reputation as an intellectual and diplomat.

The images portray Darío during his stays in various countries, including Nicaragua, Chile, Argentina, France, Spain, Mexico, Cuba, Colombia, Italy, Guatemala, the United States, and El Salvador. These journeys not only profoundly shaped his existence but were also crucial for the evolution of his poetic style, distinguished by linguistic innovation, refined aesthetics, and an unprecedented modernist sensibility in the Spanish-speaking world of his time.

The Significance of Darío’s Modernism

Rubén Darío is considered the leading exponent of Spanish-language modernism, a movement that profoundly renewed the literature of Latin America and Spain, breaking with realism and paving the way for new expressive forms. His masterpiece Azul… (1888) represents the manifesto of this literary revolution, featuring sophisticated language and a cosmopolitan sensibility that blends French Symbolism, Parnassian influences, and a deep interest in existential themes.

Through his works, Darío created a cultural bridge between Latin America and Europe, inspiring generations of poets and writers worldwide. The exhibition at the IILA highlights this global dimension of his intellectual journey, emphasizing how his legacy remains an essential reference point in literary history.

The Importance of the Event for Italo-Nicaraguan Relations

The inauguration of the exhibition was attended by diplomatic representatives, academics, and members of the Latin American community in Rome. During the ceremony, the Nicaraguan Ambassador to Italy emphasized Darío’s importance as a symbol of national identity and as a cultural ambassador ante litteram. The IILA, long committed to promoting cultural dialogue between Italy and Latin American countries, reiterated how such initiatives are fundamental to strengthening ties between the two regions and fostering awareness of internationally significant historical figures.

Exhibition Hours and Access

"Rubén Darío: el Poeta Itinerante" will be open to visitors until February 21, 2025, with free admission. Opening hours are from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday through Thursday, and from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM on Friday. This initiative offers a unique opportunity to explore the life and work of one of the greatest poets of the 20th century, as well as to deepen knowledge of Nicaragua’s rich cultural tradition.

Conclusion: A Bridge Between Continents and Cultures

This exhibition is not only a tribute to Rubén Darío but also an invitation to reflect on the lasting influence of his thought and on literature’s ability to build bridges between different cultures. The IILA, with the support of Nicaragua, offers the Roman public a valuable opportunity to learn more about the legacy of a poet who marked an era and continues to resonate with present and future generations.