ART FAIRS:SP-Arte 2016

SP-Arte, the São Paulo International Art Fair was founded in 2005, it is now the leading Art Fair in Latin America renowned for its rigorous selection process and criterion to present the world’s most important galleries. São Paulo is a cultural hub, home to Brazil’s most prestigious Museums, Foundations and Galleries. During the Fair, SP-Arte establishes partnerships with these institutions to create a strong agenda of events that engages locals and visitors to various cultural encounters in São Paulo.

By Dimitris Lempesis
Photo: SP-Arte 2016 Archive

Held in the historic Pavilhão Ciccillo Matarazzo, designed by Pritzker Laureate Oscar Niemeyer, SP-Arte presents a dynamic mix of renowned art exhibitors and leading galleries, alternative art practices, a rich cultural program and a talks program with distinguished artists, curators, critics and collectors. In its 2016 edition 126 galleries and 15 oeuvres present more than 2000 artists divided in the: Main sector: 87 Galleries in this sector include prominent Brazilian and International galleries presenting Modern and Contemporary works in a wide range of mediums, including painting, sculpture, drawing, photograph, mixed media, and more. With 14 Galleries the Showcase sector is a platform for emerging galleries in which curators, collectors, and the fair public can discover cutting-edge works. Exhibitors in this sector have a strong curatorial approach in their gallery program. Participating galleries are asked to bring a select representation of their works, showing a maximum of three artists in their booths. The Solo sector is urated by Luiza Teixeira de Freitas, the sector for 2016 sees 16n Galleries work closely with the curator on the selection and presentation of a single artist. Open Plan is a curated section dedicated for sculptures, large installations and works that dialogue with the emblematic architecture of Oscar Niemeyer’s Pavilion, the exhibition if this sector transcends conventional models of fairs. This year, showcase works specially commissioned for SP-Arte from 9 galleries and15 oeuvres, under the curatorship of Jacopo Crivelli Visconti. This year’s main new feature is the Design Sector dedicated exclusively to design. Furniture, lighting and antique pieces, signed by renowned designers, as well as promising youngsters, mark their presence at the Fair. The Blooks Livraria is a constant presence at important cultural events. Restating its strong relationship with artistic manifestations, the bookstore will present during SP-Arte an exclusive collection of titles and publications by 11 publishers and 15 magazines,that encompass the best discussion about art, design and architecture in Brazil and beyond. For the second time, it is the official bookstore of SP-Arte. Talks are organized in partnership with ARTE!Brasileiros magazine gather Brazilian and international artists, collectors, critics and curators at SP-Arte. The debates promote the contextualization and the problematization of arts, bringing to São Paulo debates circulating around the world. The talks take place in the MAM-SP auditorium and show that the Fair spreads throughout the city, beyond the Bienal Pavilion.  A rich cultural program takes place during SP-Arte. Current artistic production and the art market itself permeate all activities being offered to visitors during the Fair. Dozens of performances, book launchings and vents with authors promote exchanges between the public and important professionals from the contemporary scene.

Info: SP-Arte/2016, Pavilhão Ciccillo Matarazzo, Parque Ibirapuera, Portão 3, São Paulo, Duration: 6-10/4/16, Hours: Wed (6/4/16) Preview with invitation only, Thu (7/4/16)-Sat (9/4/16) 13:00-21:00, Sun (10/4/16) 11:00-19:00, Entrance fee: Adults and children over age 10 R$40, Students & Senior Citizens R$20, www.sp-arte.com