On the 6th of September, the São Paulo Art Biennial will inaugurate, heralding one of Brazil and South America’s most substantial and longstanding artistic gatherings. Established in 1951 by Ciccillo Matarazzo, an Italian-Brazilian industrialist, this prestigious event unfolds within a pavilion meticulously designed by an architectural team led by Oscar Niemeyer and Hélio Uchôa, offering an expansive exhibition space spanning 30,000 square meters.

The primary objective of this event is to acquaint Brazilians with contemporary art, facilitating the country’s integration into the global art arena found in other metropolises, while simultaneously positioning São Paulo as an international hub for artistic expression. Evidently, the biennial plays an instrumental role in bridging the divide between Brazilian artistry and its international audience.

The 2023 Biennial will be held under the theme “Choreographies of the Impossible” and has been curated by a team of four: Diane Lima, Grada Kilomba, Hélio Menezes, and Manuel Borja-Villel.

The curators articulate, “We employ the term ‘choreography’ to emphasize the practice of orchestrating sequences of movements across time and space, generating a profusion of new facets, forms, images, and possibilities, even in the face of apparent infeasibility and negation. We delve into the rhythms, tools, strategies, technologies, and the array of symbolic, economic, and juridical procedures that extracurricular knowledge systems can foster. These processes generate flights, refusals, and their accompanying poetic exercises. We present the impossible in perpetuity, recognizing that its generative force often transcends our imagination, becoming immeasurable, indescribable, and unimaginable. Our aim is to describe without reenacting, and so the choreography rehearsal begins.”

Which artists should you pay attention to?

At the Biennial, we can also anticipate the participation of several distinguished artists, each bringing their unique perspectives and contributions. The roster of participating artists is noteworthy and includes Elizabeth Catlett, a renowned African American sculptor and graphic artist celebrated for her portrayal of the Black-American experience in the 20th century, with a particular focus on the female perspective. Additionally, Ellen Gallagher, associated with Gagosian, brings her exploration of issues related to race, identity, and transformation to the event. 

French-Caribbean artist and poet Julien Creuzet, who will represent France at the 60th Venice Biennale, will also be participating. Creuzet’s artistic pursuits are centered around the intricate interplay between Caribbean histories and the evolution of European modernity, with his unique sculptural approach frequently involving the repurposing of discarded materials, remnants carried ashore by the sea or the relentless passage of history. The biennial will also showcase the works of Torkwase Dyson, an artist who transcends multiple mediums in order to examine the interconnections among ecology, infrastructure, and architecture.

On the Biennial, the multifaceted artist Anna Boghiguian, renowned for her diverse body of work spanning various mediums, including painting, drawing, installation, and performance, will be showcased. Her art often delves into themes of migration, identity, and the human condition. Boghiguian’s work is characterized by its raw and expressive quality, often incorporating found materials into her pieces, which lends a sense of history and narrative to her creations. Her unique ability to interweave personal and collective stories through her art has earned her recognition on the international stage.

Visitors will have the opportunity to explore the works of Sarah Maldoror, a trailblazing filmmaker and director celebrated for her significant contributions to African cinema. Born in France with roots in Guadeloupe and Panama, Maldoror’s films consistently engaged with themes related to African liberation struggles, anti-colonialism, and the African diaspora. Her work is celebrated for its powerful storytelling and its insightful portrayal of social and political issues. Beyond her films, Maldoror’s influence extended to education and advocacy for diversity and inclusion within the film industry.

Leilah Weinraub, a contemporary artist and filmmaker known for her boundary-pushing work that explores themes of sexuality, identity, and subcultures, will also be a part of the Biennial. She gained prominence for her documentary film “Shakedown,” which offers an intimate and candid look at the underground lesbian strip club scene in Los Angeles. Weinraub’s work challenges societal norms and conventions, often pushing the boundaries of both art and cinema. Her exploration of marginalized communities and their stories has resonated deeply with audiences and critics alike, solidifying her position as a notable figure in contemporary art and film.

Activities during the opening

The opening will be accompanied by a plethora of activities, including performances, workshops, lectures, and discussions centered around significant cultural themes. Guadalupe Maravilla will present the “Sounds Baths Ceremony,” which amalgamates the artist’s experiences of migration and survival following a battle with cancer, interwoven with Indigenous wisdom, resulting in the creation of healing rituals through sound. The origins of this activation trace back to Maravilla’s own battle with cancer, during which they discovered the therapeutic potential of sound vibrations generated by gongs. According to the artist, these vibrations “cleanse the water from our bodies, which can carry stress, impurities, and, in some cases, diseases.” In collaboration with therapist Miralva Slaby, the artist will employ specially tuned gongs to produce a mesmerizing soundscape through precise frequencies.

As part of the 35th Bienal de São Paulo, an intriguing performance titled “Monumento Vivo” (Live Monument), conceptualized by Marilyn Boror Bor, is poised to captivate audiences. In this artistic endeavor, the artist introduces a thought-provoking concept of counter-ethnographic de-monumentalization. In this performance, Boror Bor’s body, adorned in traditional Mayan attire, becomes an integral part of the artwork as she is affixed to a base using fresh cement. This powerful visual and sensory experience offers a unique perspective on the themes of identity, culture, and transformation.

Attendees will also have the opportunity to witness a performance titled “O Samba do Crioulo Doido,” brought to life by Calixto Neto under the artistic direction of Luiz de Abreu. The essence of this performance lies in its exploration of themes related to transgression and resistance, particularly in response to systemic violence that often robs Black individuals of their unique identities and emotional connections. With lighting orchestrated by Décio Filho and musical arrangements meticulously crafted by Luiz de Abreu and Téo Ponciano, this presentation invites viewers to reflect upon the complexities of identity, the struggle for equality, and the enduring spirit of resilience.