Aldo Pellegrini (1903–1973) was a poet, playwright, essayist, and art critic with a prominent role in Argentine culture. Linked to the development of Surrealism since its inception, he directed several editorial projects. Pellegrini also supported and expanded the various trends of Abstract art, encouraging groups such as Artistas Modernos de la Argentina [Modern Artists of Argentina] and the Asociación Arte Nuevo [Association of New Art].Cursos y Conferencias [(Courses and Conferences] was a magazine published by the Colegio Libre de Estudios Superiores (CLES), between July 1931 and December 1960. Its 288 issues dealt with different topics (from physics, art, and philosophy to topics of general interest). Originally, it was published monthly, then quarterly, and finally every six months. At the time of the publication of this article it was directed by Arturo Frondizi (1908-1995), one of the most prominent politicians of the Radical Party during the 1940s who, from 1958 through 1962, was the elected President of Argentina. During those years the CLES turned into a gathering space for the most important intellectuals opposed to the Peronist regime.This document, which corresponds to a conference by Pellegrini at the Colegio Libre de Estudios Superiores on July 11, 1950, was selected because it summarizes his ideas and knowledge about Surrealism. This presentation was followed by another one on July 4, 1950, at the same location. As a reference, see #745425.
