Censored 1971 São Paulo Biennale work by Cavaliere and Scanavino re-emerges in Milan with Galindo performance
The artwork 'Omaggio all'America Latina,' a joint creation by Alik Cavaliere and Emilio Scanavino, will be showcased in Milan starting April 14. Initially developed for the 11th São Paulo Biennale in 1971, the piece was ultimately withdrawn, leading to its absence from both the exhibition and the catalog, thus erasing its historical significance. At the Fondazione Emilio Scanavino, a performance by Regina José Galindo titled 'Homage to Latin America – Veiling' will occur on the same day. This original piece comprised 156 panels listing the names of individuals who sacrificed their lives for Latin American freedom. The Italian government justified the 1971 withdrawal to prevent 'extra-artistic' themes during Brazil's military regime. The exhibition will run until June 14, with intentions to return the work to Brazil.
Key facts
- Alik Cavaliere and Emilio Scanavino created 'Omaggio all'America Latina' for the 1971 São Paulo Biennale
- The work was withdrawn before the biennale opened and excluded from the catalog
- It features 156 panels measuring approximately 5x3 meters with inscribed names of Latin American freedom fighters
- A new presentation in Milan runs from April 14 to June 14, 2026
- Regina José Galindo will perform 'Homage to Latin America – Veiling' on April 14
- The original withdrawal was justified as avoiding 'extra-artistic' content
- The work combines Scanavino's grids with Cavaliere's bronze vegetal elements
- Organizers hope to eventually bring the work to Brazil
Entities
Artists
- Alik Cavaliere
- Emilio Scanavino
- Regina José Galindo
- Renata Vesely
Institutions
- Fondazione Emilio Scanavino
- Centro Artistico Alik Cavaliere
- Prometeogallery
- Biennale di San Paolo
- Biennale di Venezia
- Milano Art Week
- São Paulo Biennial
- Dario Cimorelli Editore
Locations
- Milano
- Italy
- São Paulo
- Brazil
- South America
- Guatemala
- Milan
- Latin America