ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Frestas Triennial's Third Edition Navigates Pandemic with Educational Focus and Collaborative Practices

exhibition · 2026-04-23

The third iteration of Frestas – Triennial of Arts, named 'O rio é uma serpente,' commenced on August 21, 2021, at Sesc Sorocaba following delays due to the pandemic. Curated by Beatriz Lemos, Diane Lima, and Thiago de Paula Souza, the event emphasized educational initiatives and collaborative knowledge. A Study Program included fifteen artists, such as Castiel Vitorino Brasileiro and Denilson Baniwa, who addressed themes of colonial violence in their work. An online training program for teachers took place from October to November 2020. The triennial, which expanded through collaborations like that with Ayllu from Madrid, showcases pieces from 53 artists and will be on display until January 30, 2022, promoting less violent dialogues in contemporary art.

Key facts

  • Frestas – Triennial of Arts' third edition, 'O rio é uma serpente,' opened on August 21, 2021, at Sesc Sorocaba.
  • Curators Beatriz Lemos, Diane Lima, and Thiago de Paula Souza were invited before the pandemic.
  • The triennial's focus shifted decisively towards educational practices due to the Covid-19 crisis.
  • A Study Program involved fifteen artists in virtual meetings to develop exhibition projects.
  • An online teacher training program ran from October to November 2020 and became an official municipal course.
  • The Madrid-based collective Ayllu partnered with the triennial, contributing a fanzine to the exhibition.
  • The final exhibition features 53 artists and collectives and runs until January 30, 2022.
  • The project is organized by Sesc São Paulo and is based at its Sorocaba unit.

Entities

Artists

Institutions

  • Sesc São Paulo
  • Sesc Sorocaba
  • Colectivo Ayllu
  • Ayllu collective
  • Frestas – Trienal de Artes
  • Bienal de São Paulo
  • Bienal do Mercosul
  • Oficina Imaginação Política
  • Casa do Povo
  • documenta
  • arte!brasileiros

Locations

  • Sorocaba
  • Brazil
  • São Paulo
  • Madrid
  • Spain
  • Rio Negro
  • Amazonas
  • Colombia
  • Venezuela
  • Catatumbo
  • Kassel
  • Germany
  • South Africa
  • Bolivia
  • Chile
  • United States
  • France
  • Netherlands
  • Mexico
  • Peru
  • Dominican Republic
  • Switzerland

Sources