SÃO PAULO — Shortly after the Oscar Niemeyer Pavilion in Parque Ibirapuera concluded the 36th São Paulo Biennial, it once again opened its doors on April 8 for Latin America’s premier art fair. The 22nd edition of SP-Arte, featuring 180 exhibitors and running through the weekend, is slightly smaller than last year, yet Brazilian galleries continue to have a significant presence.
Opening day saw notable attendees like Brinda Kumar, associate curator of Modern and Contemporary Art at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Visiting São Paulo for the first time, she was intrigued by its “South-South artistic links, with Brazil serving as a hub for transcontinental relationships.” A highlight was visiting Rosana Paulino’s studio, arranged through the fair’s Latitude program, established in 2007 to advance Brazilian art. “Experiencing art in its native context was invaluable,” Kumar remarked.
SP-Arte presents an intriguing paradox: it occupies a global platform yet retains a distinctly regional feel. For dealers like Felipe Dmab of Mendes Wood DM, which originated in São Paulo and expanded to New York, Paris, and Brussels, this is a strength rather than a contradiction. While international visitors may view Brazil as somewhat insular, Dmab emphasized that their gallery’s success stems from remaining deeply local while also reaching out globally.
This year’s fair featured artwork from both Brazilian and international artists, including Patricia Leite, Edgar Calel, and Peter Shear. These works, presented by Mendes Wood DM, blended natural landscapes with geometric and surreal elements, creating a unified aesthetic that transcends geographic boundaries. Hena Lee of Almeida & Dale noted SP-Arte’s role in bolstering the local art scene while international fairs have helped elevate Brazil’s position in the global art market.
Despite being perceived as a costly market, foreign galleries are increasingly seeking opportunities in Brazil, as illustrated by the London-based gallery Lamb’s return to SP-Arte. Fernanda Feitosa, SP-Arte’s founder, highlighted the significant tax burdens on art sales in Brazil, which can elevate artwork costs by up to 45%. Yet, galleries like RGR from Mexico City and Ruth Benzacar from Buenos Aires are drawn to the fair by the cultural affinities and opportunities it offers, bringing fresh perspectives and diverse artistic expressions to the Brazilian art scene.
