MASP Reverses Cancellation of Landless Workers Movement Photos After Curator Resignation and Artist Protest
On May 20, the Museu de Arte de São Paulo Assis Chateaubriand (MASP) decided to reinstate the 'Retomadas' section, following the resignation of curator Sandra Benites on May 17. Benites, the first Indigenous woman on the curatorial team, stepped down due to the museum's refusal to facilitate the loan of works from the Movimento Sem Terra (MST). The collective exhibition 'Histórias Brasileiras,' which was scheduled to debut on July 1, had been initially canceled by both Benites and Clarissa Diniz. Acknowledging their 'errors,' MASP suggested delaying the opening to bring back the section, which includes six photographs they proposed to acquire. In response to Benites's departure, artist Cildo Meireles withdrew three works, emphasizing the significance of social movements and Indigenous issues to him.
Key facts
- MASP reversed its cancellation of the 'Retomadas' section on May 20.
- Curator Sandra Benites resigned on May 17 after the museum denied support for MST-related works.
- The exhibition 'Histórias Brasileiras' was to open July 1.
- The museum proposed postponing the show to include the section and acquire six photographs.
- Artist Cildo Meireles withdrew three works in solidarity on May 18.
- Meireles cited the importance of social movements and Indigenous issues.
- The museum acknowledged 'errors' but did not call its prior act censorship.
- Curators Benites and Diniz are unlikely to accept the museum's new proposal.
Entities
Artists
- Sandra Benites
- Clarissa Diniz
- André Vilaron
- Edgar Kanaykõ Xakriabá
- João Zinclar
- Cildo Meireles
Institutions
- Museu de Arte de São Paulo Assis Chateaubriand (MASP)
- Movimento Sem Terra (MST)
- Folha de S. Paulo
Locations
- São Paulo
- Brazil
- Africa