Fe Avila's Visual Essay Captures Installation of 36th São Paulo Bienal

Fe Avila documented the two-month installation process for the 36th São Paulo Bienal, capturing artists, curators, and technical teams at work from August 18 to September 4. The visual essay, the second in a three-part series, focuses on portraiture to highlight the collective effort behind the exhibition. Photographs were taken at the Bienal Pavilion and in artists' studios, featuring individuals like Antonio Társis, Nguyễn Trinh Thi, and Akinbobe Akinbiyi. Other artists portrayed include Moisés Patrício, Pélagie Gbaguidi, Berenice Olmedo, and Korakrit Arunanondchai. Wolfgang Tillmans, Theresah Ankomah, and Moffat Takadiwa were also photographed with their teams. The series shows Lidia Lisbôa, Helena Uambembe, Juliana dos Santos, and Maxwell Alexandre during installation. Ana Raylander Mártis dos Anjos, Tanka Fonta, and Manauara Clandestina appear alongside assembly and cleaning crews. Tobechukwu Onwukeme of Forensic Architecture and Thiago de Paula Souza were captured, as were Kaka Farias and Gê Viana. Precious Okoyomon, Fabiano Procópio, and Gervane de Paula's works are shown in progress. Alex and Pêna Yara, Santiago Rid, Tiago Guimarães, and Bonaventure Soh Bejeng Ndikung are featured. The essay emphasizes the collaborative nature of art-making, with images of metalworking teams and the pavilion under construction. All photos are credited to Fe Avila and the Fundação Bienal de São Paulo.