Benjamin Péret: The Manifesting Generator of Surrealism

Benjamin Péret, born on July 4, 1899, in Rezé, France, was a pivotal figure in the Parisian Dadaist and French Surrealist movements. Known for his trailblazing spirit, Péret’s life was a tapestry of artistic innovation and political activism. This biography not only explores his remarkable contributions to poetry and surrealism but also delves into his Human Design as a Manifesting Generator, offering insights into how his unique energy and strategy shaped his life’s work.

Early Life and Education

Péret’s early years were marked by a resistance to conventional education. Disinterested in traditional schooling, he left formal education to attend a Local Art School in 1912. However, his time there was short-lived due to his lack of interest in academic study. This period in his life is reflective of his Human Design profile, the 3/6, which highlights a natural tendency towards experimentation and learning through trial and error.

His strategy as a Manifesting Generator is “To Respond,” a trait that became evident when he immersed himself in the arts after leaving school. His journey through various educational institutions, including a brief stint at a School of Industrial Design, illustrates his restless energy and pursuit of passions that align with his inner authority, Emotional, guiding his decisions based on feelings rather than logic.

The War Years and Discovery of Poetry

As World War I loomed, Péret enlisted in the French army’s Cuirassiers, partially as a means to avoid legal repercussions for defacing a local statue. During his service, he was stationed in the Balkans and later in Salonica, Greece. It was here, amidst the chaos of war, that he discovered a copy of the magazine Sic on a train station bench. This serendipitous encounter introduced him to the works of Apollinaire, igniting his lifelong passion for poetry.

This moment of discovery aligns with his Incarnation Cross of the Right Angle Cross of Tension (39/38 | 21/48), suggesting that significant growth and transformation in his life came through tension and conflict. His channels, including “20-34” and “39-55,” emphasize his ability to adapt and transform tension into creative expression, as seen in his poetic evolution.

Joining the Dada and Surrealist Movements

After the war, Péret returned to France and became an active participant in the Dada movement. In 1921, he published his first book of poetry, Le Passager du transatlantique. However, his journey as a Manifesting Generator led him to move beyond Dadaism, as his strategy and inner authority guided him toward the emerging Surrealist movement under André Breton.

As a core member of the Surrealists, he worked closely with notable figures, including Mexican writer Octavio Paz. His role as co-editor and later chief editor of the journal La Révolution surréaliste in 1925 showcased his leadership capabilities, driven by his “21-45” channel, which emphasizes his skill in directing and organizing collective efforts.

Exile and Political Activism

In 1929, Péret emigrated to Brazil with his wife, Elsie Houston, publishing Le Grand Jeu before his departure. In Rio de Janeiro, his Manifesting Generator energy unfolded yet another chapter of dynamic involvement as he and his brother-in-law Mario Pedrosa founded the Brazilian Communist League, inspired by Trotsky’s ideologies.

His political activities led to his arrest and expulsion from Brazil in 1931, shortly after the birth of his son, Geyser. This turbulent period is reflective of his “26-44” channel, a design of transmitter, emphasizing his role in spreading revolutionary ideas. Upon returning to France, Péret’s commitment to activism continued as he joined the Republicans during the Spanish Civil War.

Life in Mexico and Later Years

Following imprisonment in France for his political activities, Péret found refuge in Mexico with the help of the American-based Emergency Rescue Committee. In Mexico City, he became deeply involved with the European intellectual community in exile. His time here was marked by a profound exploration of pre-Columbian myths and American folklore.

Living alongside his lover, Spanish painter Remedios Varo, Péret expanded his creative horizons. His channels “20-10” and “34-10” emphasize personal transformation and self-empowerment, guiding him through this period of artistic and intellectual growth. He met influential figures such as Nathalia Sedova, Trotsky’s widow, and remained in Mexico until 1947.

Returning to Paris, Benjamin Péret continued to influence the world of surrealism until his death on September 18, 1959. His legacy endures as a testament to the vibrant, multifaceted life of a Manifesting Generator whose voice and visions reshaped the artistic landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Benjamin Péret’s Human Design type?

Benjamin Péret was a Manifesting Generator, a type known for its dynamic energy and ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously. This type is characterized by responding to life’s stimuli and generating creative outputs that align with their inner authority.

How did Péret’s Human Design influence his artistic journey?

Péret’s Emotional inner authority guided him to pursue paths that resonated deeply with his feelings, often leading to intense periods of creative output and transformation. His 3/6 profile encouraged a life of experimentation and mastery, visible in his transitions from Dadaism to Surrealism and his political engagements.

What are the key channels in Benjamin Péret’s Human Design?

Some of the key channels in Péret’s Human Design include “20-10,” “20-34,” “34-10,” “26-44,” “21-45,” and “39-55.” These channels reflect his abilities in personal transformation, creative expression, and leadership, all of which were evident in his artistic and political endeavors.

How did Péret’s Incarnation Cross impact his life?

Péret’s Incarnation Cross, the Right Angle Cross of Tension (39/38 | 21/48), suggests that his life was often driven by resolving conflicts and