36th São Paulo Biennale Closes with Focus on Expanded Formats and Collective Practice
The 36th São Paulo Biennale, named 'Nem todo viandante anda estradas – Da humanidade como prática,' wrapped up on January 11, 2026. This event, overseen by chief curator Bonaventure Soh Bejeng Ndikung alongside co-curators Alya Sebti, Anna Roberta Goetz, Thiago de Paula Souza, Keyna Eleison, Henriette Gallus, André Pitol, and Leonardo Matsuhei, took place from September 6, 2025, to January 11, 2026. It showcased 120 artists at the Bienal Pavilion and five at Casa do Povo. The programming featured performances and discussions, supported by 15 international institutions. The editorial initiative produced twelve publications, including four educational books and an exhibition catalog of 6,500 copies. Andrea Pinheiro highlighted accessibility, while Ndikung emphasized themes of love and humanity.
Key facts
- The 36th São Paulo Biennale ran from September 6, 2025, to January 11, 2026.
- It was curated by Bonaventure Soh Bejeng Ndikung with a team including Alya Sebti and Thiago de Paula Souza.
- The event featured 120 participations at the Bienal Pavilion and five at Casa do Povo.
- Pre-biennial 'Invocações' were held in Marrakech, Guadalupe, Zanzibar, and Tokyo.
- Public programming included the Festival Bienal no Mangue and a concert by Tanka Fonta.
- The editorial project involved twelve publications, with international distribution via CARA.
- The biennial was free and emphasized democratic access to art.
- Andrea Pinheiro is the president of the Fundação Bienal de São Paulo.
Entities
Artists
- Bonaventure Soh Bejeng Ndikung
- Alya Sebti
- Anna Roberta Goetz
- Thiago de Paula Souza
- Keyna Eleison
- Henriette Gallus
- André Pitol
- Leonardo Matsuhei
- Conceição Evaristo
- Benjamin Seroussi
- Daniel Blanga-Gubbay
- Laila Hida
- Mourad Belouadi
- Tanka Fonta
- Carlos Moreno
- BUHR
- Maciel Salú
- Mundo Livre S/A
- Paulete Lindacelva
- Alexandre Paulikevitch
- Boxe Autônomo
- Dorothée Munyaneza
- Marcelo Evelin
- MEXA
- Akinbode Akinbiyi
Institutions
- Fundação Bienal de São Paulo
- Casa do Povo
- Theatro São Pedro
- Orquestra do Theatro São Pedro
- Center for Art, Research and Alliances (CARA)
- Cinémathèque Afrique
- La Friche la Belle de Mai
Locations
- São Paulo
- Brazil
- Marrakech
- Morocco
- Guadalupe
- Zanzibar
- Tanzania
- Tóquio
- Japan
- Marselha
- France
- Marseille