Andrea Rehder's Rizoma Project Transforms São Paulo Gallery into Artist Studios
In 2019, Andrea Rehder, a gallerist, initiated the Rizoma project in the Jardim América area of São Paulo, converting two storage rooms on the second floor into studios for emerging artists. Each artist is granted a key for a month, encouraging creative collaboration. This initiative tackles the issue of expensive rents while aiming to rejuvenate the gallery environment. Among the first artists were Helô Sanvoy and Alice Lara, with Sandra Lapage and Carlos Pileggi slated to participate by the end of 2019. Rehder emphasizes that this is not a structured residency, allowing artists to propose new participants and voice their needs. The program fosters gender diversity and critical discourse, with young curators documenting the artists’ creations. At the conclusion of their month, each artist hosts an open studio event.
Key facts
- Andrea Rehder conceived the Rizoma project in 2019 for her gallery in São Paulo's Jardim América.
- Two second-floor rooms were converted into open studios for young artists, available for one-month stays.
- Artists receive a key and can use the space at any time for work, debates, or exchanges.
- The project addresses the underuse of the expensive gallery space.
- Helô Sanvoy was the first participant and helped name the project Rizoma.
- Alice Lara followed Sanvoy, initiating a rotation schedule.
- Confirmed future artists include Sandra Lapage, Carlos Pileggi, Virgílio Neto, Betina Vaz, and Ju Freire.
- Rehder states it is not a formal residency, lacking rigid selection, curation, or funding.
- The project is experimental and free, allowing artists to suggest participants and discuss needs.
- Artists may sell works, but the project's primary aim is not commercial.
- Rehder seeks to alternate artists of different genders to promote plurality and equality.
- Young curators Isabella de Souza and Raquel Vallego have written about the artists' works.
- Each artist concludes their stay with an open studio and assists in the room transition.
Entities
Artists
- Andrea Rehder
- Helô Sanvoy
- Alice Lara
- Sandra Lapage
- Carlos Pileggi
- Virgílio Neto
- Betina Vaz
- Ju Freire
- Isabella de Souza
- Raquel Vallego
Locations
- São Paulo
- Jardim América
- Brazil