Belém, Pará
The Museu de Arte de Belém – MABE will host a special selection from the 35th Bienal de São Paulo – choreographies of the impossible, in partnership with Belém City Hall through FUMBEL – Fundação Cultural do Município de Belém. Curated by Diane Lima, Grada Kilomba, Hélio Menezes and Manuel Borja-Villel, the exhibition landed in the capital of Pará, where it will be open to the public from April 3 to May 26. In all, more than ten cities will receive cut-outs designed for each of them, with Belém – the only location in the North of the country – taking part in the Bienal’s traveling exhibitions program for the second time in a row.
Participants include Deborah Anzinger, Edgar Calel, Gabriel Gentil Tukano, MAHKU and Nikau Hindin.
The 35th Bienal de São Paulo – choreographies of the impossible explores the complexities and urgencies of the contemporary world, addressing social, political and cultural transformations. The curators seek to tension the spaces between the possible and the impossible, the visible and the invisible, the real and the imaginary, giving voice to diverse issues and perspectives in a poetic way. Choreography, understood as a set of body-centered movements that defy limits, considers diverse trajectories and areas of activity, creating strategies to face institutional and curatorial challenges. choreographies of the impossible generate their own relationships, times and spaces, offering visitors a remarkable experience.
For the curators, it is crucial that the exhibition reaches more cities, transcending the limits of the Bienal Pavilion. According to them, “the debates proposed by the 35th Bienal cross countless territories around the world, so not restricting the choreographies of the impossible to the Bienal Pavilion is extremely important for the work carried out”.
Andrea Pinheiro, president of the Fundação Bienal de São Paulo, highlights the importance not only of bringing the choreographies of the impossible to a wider audience, but also of strengthening ties between cultural institutions: “Taking the Bienal to the North, in partnership with the Museu de Arte de Belém through the Belém City Hall, not only strengthens Brazilian cultural institutions, but is also fundamental to making art and culture more accessible to everyone. By breaking down geographical barriers, we provide opportunities for more people to experience and participate in the contemporary art scene, making cultural narratives even more enriching. This journey not only broadens the exchange of experiences between audiences and institutions, but also contributes to building a more welcoming and culturally vibrant society throughout Brazil,” she says.
Inês Silveira, president of the Fundação Cultural de Belém, emphasizes the expectation of hosting the exhibition in Belém: “As part of the celebrations for the anniversary of our city, which turned 408 on January 12, we are thrilled to welcome an international exhibition that is part of the 35th edition of the Bienal de São Paulo to the Museu de Arte de Belém (Mabe), located in the iconic Antônio Lemos Palace. This opportunity not only enriches our cultural scene, but also consolidates Belém’s commitment to promoting and disseminating the arts. By hosting this section of the Bienal, we are providing access to works by renowned national and international artists, enriching the dialog between different artistic expressions and broadening the creative horizons of our community. Furthermore, by being the first capital in the northern region to host this exhibition, we are reaffirming Belém’s pioneering role on the Brazilian cultural scene. We are deeply honored to host this event and committed to taking advantage of this opportunity to further foster the cultural and artistic development of our city.”
35th Bienal de São Paulo – choreographies of the impossible
Museu de Arte de Belém Traveling Exhibition
Curators: Diane Lima, Grada Kilomba, Hélio Menezes and Manuel Borja-Villel
Apr 3 – May 26, 2024
Tue – Sun, 9:30 am – 4:30 pm
Museu de Arte de Belém
Palácio Antônio Lemos, Praça Dom Pedro II, s/n
Cidade Velha, Belém, Brazil
free admission