Alfredo Boulton (1908-1995) was Venezuela's foremost cultural and aesthetic observer of the twentieth century. An art critic, cultural historian and photographer, he was highly influential in the development of Modernist art and discourse--and of cultural self-definition--in Venezuela and the surrounding region. Boulton's diverse contributions serve as points of departure in this remarkable selection of art-historical and critical texts by many of the prominent Latin American thinkers of this period--figures whose works and ideas helped to shape the face of contemporary Venezuela. Through the manifestos, correspondence and critical writings of these notable voices of the day, this anthology traces Venezuela's struggle toward Modernity and toward a successful, autonomous identity on the international cultural scene. Newly written critical and explanatory texts by contemporary scholars accompany the historical texts, providing context and insight.