Jaume Chornet reflects on self-censorship in the falla “Tautologia del silenci”.
Jaume Chornet, professor atDepartment of Sculpture of the Faculty of Fine Arts of the Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV)reflects on censorship and the role of the Falles with“Tautology of silence”.planted this year by the commissionPinedo–Tres Camins.
The proposal proposes a look at the role that the Falles have historically played in Valencian culture. Beyond its festive dimension, the Falles tradition can be understood as a complex cultural system in which artistic practices, symbolic languages and social dynamics converge. In this context, the Falla becomes an ephemeral artifact capable of generating a reflection and/or social criticism.
The Fault“Tautology of silence”. addresses precisely the risk that this critical capacity may weaken over time. Without the need for direct censorship, factors such as social pressure, aesthetic standardization or institutional dependence can favor processes of self-censorship that reduce the satirical power of the Fallas monument. When satire is softened, irony becomes decorative and criticism avoids discomfort, the Falla can continue to exist as a festive form, but it runs the risk of losing part of its meaning.
Historically, the fallera tradition has functioned as a space of symbolic inversion of the social order, where a grotesque, exaggerated and irreverent language allowed to express what could not be said in other contexts. This popular, collective and ephemeral character has made the Falla a privileged place for social and political criticism. Through this reflection, Jaume Chornet proposes a look at the future of the festival and the need to keep alive the critical spirit that has historically characterized the Falles. The project thus invites us to think about the role of Falles art within contemporary culture and its ability to continue generating debate and critical thinking.
