With a series of novelties and a powerful set of works, Videobrasil and Sesc inaugurated on October 9 the 21st edition of this partnership under the theme “Imagined Communities”. Firstly, the show takes on the title of Bienal, thus confirming its importance in the national and international art scene. Undisputed reference in the field of arts that have video as an important constitutive element, the event also opens space for other forms of artistic expression, helping to dissipate watertight boundaries between languages.

Another innovation proposed this year was the adoption of a previous guideline. Instead of later grouping the selected works by similar themes, the curatorship launched a demand for works that somehow dealt with the idea of ​​collectivities based on affective, identity criteria, the desire to build new social groups beyond the established norms and boundaries. Or, in the words of the event's artistic director, Solange Farkas, that they seek “a utopia of reconstruction of the world”.

In all, there were more than 2 entries, coming from the most different corners of the planet, with an emphasis on the geopolitical south, an area that has guided Videobrasil's action for decades. In total, 50 artists from 28 nationalities were selected, in addition to a group of five guest artists (Andrea Tonacci; Hrair Sarkissian; Teresa Margolles; Rosana Paulino; and Thierry Oussou) and two emblematic collections (one of African jewelry and the other of the newspaper Snob, who proposed to discuss, in the 1960s, questions about sexual and gender identity) to compose an intense and diversified set of poetics. Among the various themes explored, some stronger aspects stand out: the indigenous drama, the struggle of LGBT communities, racial conflicts and border tensions.

In addition to the exhibition, the event – ​​produced by Videobrasil in a long-term partnership with Sesc and which for the first time is located on Rua 24 de Maio – also includes a series of public programs (lectures, debates, performances and video cycles). ) and two bilingual publications.

Watch the video with curator Gabriel Bogossian speaking to ARTE!Brasileiros about the biennial.

21st Bienal Sesc_Videobrasil I Imagined Communities
Sesc 24 de Maio – Rua 24 de Maio, 109, Center – São Paulo
From October 9, 2019 to February 2, 2020
Free admission


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