ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

35th Bienal de São Paulo Announces Theme and Initial Artist List

exhibition · 2026-04-22

The 35th Bienal de São Paulo, titled 'choreographies of the impossible,' has been announced by the Fundação Bienal de São Paulo, along with its theme, preliminary artist roster, and curatorial council. This edition will showcase global artistic practices that confront the belief that freedom, justice, and equality are out of reach, offering alternatives to existing political, legal, economic, and social conditions. The initial lineup features 37 artists, four duos, and two collectives, highlighting prominent figures from the Middle East and Arab world, including Anna Boghiguian, Nadir Bouhmouch, Soumeya Ait Ahmed, Bouchra Ouizguen, Philip Rizk, and Mounira Al Solh. The full participant list, expected to surpass 100, will be unveiled in early 2023. The curatorial team includes Diane Lima, Grada Kilomba, Hélio Menezes, and Manuel Borja-Villel, supported by a council featuring Omar Berrada, Sandra Benites, Sol Henaro, and Thomas Jean Lax. The event is scheduled to take place from September 6 to December 10.

Key facts

  • Theme is 'choreographies of the impossible'
  • Initial list includes 37 artists, 4 duos, 2 collectives
  • Complete list of over 100 participants to be released in first half of 2023
  • Curatorial collective: Diane Lima, Grada Kilomba, Hélio Menezes, Manuel Borja-Villel
  • Curatorial council: Omar Berrada, Sandra Benites, Sol Henaro, Thomas Jean Lax
  • Dates: 6 September to 10 December
  • Focus on challenging impossibility of freedom, justice, equality
  • Includes Middle Eastern and Arab world artists

Entities

Artists

  • Aline Motta
  • Ana Pi
  • Taata Kwa Nkisi Mutá Imê
  • Anna Boghiguian
  • Ayrson Heráclito
  • Tiganá Santana
  • Bouchra Ouizguen
  • Castiel Vitorino Brasileiro
  • Daniel Lie
  • Dayanita Singh
  • Deborah Anzinger
  • Denilson Baniwa
  • Duane Linklater
  • Elda Cerrato
  • Elizabeth Catlett
  • Ellen Gallagher
  • Frente 3 de Fevereiro
  • Gabriel Gentil Tukano
  • Geraldine Javier
  • Igshaan Adams
  • Inaicyra Falcão
  • Julien Creuzet
  • Leilah Weinraub
  • Luiz de Abreu
  • Manuel Chavajay
  • Marilyn Boror Bor
  • Mounira Al-Solh
  • Nadal Walcott
  • Nadir Bouhmouch
  • Soumeya Ait Ahmed
  • Niño de Elche
  • Nontsikelelo Mutiti
  • Pauline Boudry
  • Renate Lorenz
  • Philip Rizk
  • Rolando Castellón
  • Rosana Paulino
  • Sammy Baloji
  • Santu Mofokeng
  • Sarah Maldoror
  • stanley brouwn
  • Tadáskía
  • Tejal Shah
  • The Living and the Dead Ensemble
  • Torkwase Dyson
  • Trinh T. Minh-ha
  • Wifredo Lam
  • Diane Lima
  • Grada Kilomba
  • Hélio Menezes
  • Manuel Borja-Villel
  • Omar Berrada
  • Sandra Benites
  • Sol Henaro
  • Thomas Jean Lax

Institutions

  • Fundação Bienal de São Paulo
  • Bienal de São Paulo

Locations

  • São Paulo
  • Brazil

Sources