Looking Beyond Himself: André Breton in the American Southwest

The 1945 visit of André Breton’s to the American Southwest occurred during a period of significant change both regionally in the American Southwest and globally. Imbedded in the rituals that Breton observed and recorded in his “Notebook” were deeply guarded Hopi-centric perspectives about creation and humankind’s role and responsibilities to all living things. Nearly a half century later and at the other end of the continent another ritual took place, this time at the United Nations in New York City. Led by Thomas Banyacya, a Hopi spiritual leader, ancient prophecies were publicly revealed. Breton’s experience and observations in 1945 hint at the prophetic message that would be shared with the world years later.