Carlos
Monsiváis

Awardee

Country

Mexico

Carlos Monsiváis bolstered civil society through literature.

Themes
Free Expression / Civil Society
Disciplines
Criticism
Literature
Journalism
Awards
Archive - Prince Claus Laureate 1998

Profile

Carlos Monsiváis (1938-2010) was a writer and critic based in Mexico. He was known for his incisive commentary on Mexican culture and politics. He spent most of his life there, working as a journalist, essayist, and cultural critic. Monsiváis was known for his witty and irreverent style, as well as his deep understanding of Mexican history and society.His works explored themes of national identity, popular culture, and the struggles of the working class. Some of his most celebrated books include "Días de guardar" (1970), "Amor perdido" (1977), and "Los rituales del caos" (1995). Monsiváis was widely exhibited and honored in Mexico and abroad, and his contributions to Mexican literature and critical thought continue to be recognized today.