Between April 8 and 12, São Paulo takes center stage in Latin America’s art scene as the iconic Pavilhão da Bienal, inside Parque Ibirapuera, hosts the 22nd edition of SP–Arte. Widely considered the leading art fair in the region, the event gathers around 180 galleries and approximately 80 international artists, drawing collectors, curators, and industry insiders from across the globe.
Among this year’s highlights is the debut of Ateliers Hugo, the historic French goldsmith atelier, presenting a rare selection of jewelry and objects created in collaboration with masters such as Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dalí, Jean Cocteau, and André Derain, in partnership with Gomide&Co—marking its first appearance in both Brazil and Latin America.
Brazilian modern and contemporary art also takes center stage. Almeida & Dale presents works by Di Cavalcanti and Beatriz Milhazes, while Mendes Wood DM—one of Brazil’s most internationally active galleries—spotlights figures like Rosana Paulino, Sonia Gomes, and the seminal Lygia Pape. Flexa brings together different generations, from Tarsila do Amaral to Adriana Varejão and Lucio Fontana.
Yet what truly defines SP–Arte is not confined to the fair itself. Each April, São Paulo transforms into a sprawling, citywide exhibition. Galleries extend hours, museums unveil major shows, and new spaces emerge—creating a dynamic circuit that rewards those willing to explore beyond the Bienal pavilion.
Below, a curated guide to what else to see across the city during SP–Arte week.
Immersive and International Highlights
Es Devlin at Casa Bradesco (Cidade Matarazzo)
One of the most talked-about exhibitions this season, “I Am the Other of the Other” (“Sou o Outro do Outro”) by Es Devlin unfolds as a series of monumental immersive installations combining mirrors, light, sound, and architecture. Known for staging productions for global stars like Beyoncé and Adele, Devlin transforms the space into a sensory reflection on identity and perception.
Joana Vasconcelos at Farol Santander
At Farol Santander, Portuguese artist Joana Vasconcelos presents “Garden of Eden” (“Jardim do Éden”), a labyrinthine installation occupying the 23rd floor. The work merges craft, monumental scale, and cultural commentary, inviting visitors into a dreamlike environment.
Pascale Marthine Tayou at Pinacoteca
At the Pinacoteca de São Paulo, Cameroonian artist Pascale Marthine Tayou explores themes of identity, displacement, and global culture in “Knockout!”—a strong example of the institution’s dialogue between historical and contemporary narratives.
Museums Defining the Latin American Perspective
MASP — Latin American Narratives in Focus
Housed in Museu de Arte de São Paulo Assis Chateaubriand, one of the most important collections in the region, current exhibitions include “La Chola Poblete: pop andino” and “Sandra Gamarra Heshiki: Réplica,” both examining colonial legacies, resistance, and representation. A parallel show highlights works by Santiago Yahuarcani in the museum’s new annex.
Museu do Ipiranga — Revisiting History
At Museu do Ipiranga, “Debret in Question – Contemporary Perspectives” (“Debret em Questão – Olhares Contemporâneos”) reinterprets the work of Jean-Baptiste Debret, placing 19th-century imagery in dialogue with contemporary Brazilian artists such as Denilson Baniwa and Gê Viana.
IMS Paulista — Image, Memory, and Archive
The Instituto Moreira Salles Paulista presents “Zumví Afro Photographic Archive,” featuring over 400 images documenting Afro-Brazilian cultural and political life, alongside a photography-focused exhibition on Agnès Varda.
Architecture and Design Crossovers
Isay Weinfeld at Instituto Tomie Ohtake
At Instituto Tomie Ohtake, “Etcétera” reveals the creative process of architect Isay Weinfeld through drawings, models, and objects—some infused with subtle humor.
Ruy Ohtake at Casa-Ateliê Tomie Ohtake
“Ruy Ohtake: Paths of Living” offers rare access to the former home of Tomie Ohtake while exploring residential projects by Ruy Ohtake, emphasizing spatial fluidity and the interplay between interior and exterior.
Leading Galleries with Global Reach
Mendes Wood DM
With a strong international footprint, Mendes Wood DM presents “Sendo” by Lygia Pape alongside works by Daniel Steegmann Mangrané, reinforcing its role in shaping Brazil’s global contemporary art narrative.
Galeria Nara Roesler
One of Brazil’s most established galleries, Galeria Nara Roesler showcases “Choices” by Rodolpho Parigi, reflecting two decades of layered visual research.
Fortes D’Aloia & Gabriel
At Fortes D’Aloia & Gabriel, Janaina Tschäpe presents large-scale paintings and works on paper produced between New York and Brazil, blending organic abstraction with dreamlike atmospheres.
Galeria Luisa Strina
Among the most influential galleries in the region, Galeria Luisa Strina features exhibitions by Sidival Fila and Bernardo Ortiz, reinforcing its commitment to Latin American voices.
Luciana Brito Galeria
Luciana Brito Galeria presents “Geometría Intercultural” by Antonio Pichillá, where geometry becomes a cultural language shaped by memory and cosmology.
Contemporary Voices Across the City
Maxwell Alexandre at Almeida & Dale
Opening during SP–Arte, Maxwell Alexandre unveils “Black Painter, White Figuration,” shifting his lens toward whiteness, leisure, and privilege as part of his ongoing inquiry into representation and social structures.
Sandra Cinto at Casa Triângulo
Sandra Cinto transforms the gallery into poetic, immersive landscapes in “Two Infinites,” continuing her exploration of horizon, sea, and imagined space.
Thalita Hamaoui at Simões de Assis
At Galeria Simões de Assis, “Body of Wind” features large-scale paintings inspired by botanical forms and imaginary landscapes.
davi de jesus do nascimento at Mitre Galeria
The exhibition “carcaça” investigates the relationship between body, territory, and ancestry through sculpture, photography, and drawing.
Indigenous Ceramics at Roca São Paulo Gallery
“Encantadas” brings together works by women from the Jenipapo Kanindé people, exploring the symbolic ties between body, nature, and territory.
New Spaces and Alternative Circuits
LAB MR at Edifício Itália
A newly inaugurated space on the 31st floor of Edifício Itália, LAB MR debuts with “Body-Territory,” a group show connecting art, architecture, and design through themes of belonging and memory.
Casa Bola — Art Meets Experimental Architecture
The iconic spherical residence designed by Eduardo Longo opens to the public for ABERTO5, blending contemporary interventions with one of São Paulo’s most unusual architectural landmarks.
A City Activated by Art
During SP–Arte, São Paulo reveals itself not just as a host city, but as an ecosystem. The fair acts as a catalyst—activating institutions, galleries, and independent spaces across neighborhoods like Jardins, Pinheiros, Barra Funda, and the historic center.
For visitors, the experience extends far beyond the Bienal pavilion. It becomes a journey through one of the most dynamic art scenes in the world—where global names, local narratives, and experimental practices coexist in constant dialogue.
In April, São Paulo doesn’t just exhibit art. It lives it.
