28th São Paulo Biennial Turns Archive into Curatorial Concept

The 28th São Paulo Biennial, which ran from September 26 to December 6, 2008, was curated by Ivo Mesquita and Ana Paula Cohen at the Ciccillo Matarazzo Pavilion, emphasizing the concept of archives amid the institution's financial difficulties. The ground floor was transformed into an open agora featuring concerts, performances, and workshops, while the second floor was left vacant. On the third floor, works from artists in their thirties and forties were displayed alongside pieces by established figures such as Allan McCollum, Matt Mullican, and Sophie Calle. Emerging talents included Simon Goldin, Jakob Senneby, Javier Peñafiel, and Armin Linke. Mabe Bethônico contributed a journal issue and organized lectures. Additionally, the biennial featured a slide by Carsten Höller and a weekly newspaper, while the foundation's president faced house arrest due to embezzlement.