MASP's 'Histórias Brasileiras' Exposes Colonial Power Structures in Brazilian Art Institutions
The 'Histórias Brasileiras' exhibition at the Museu de Arte de São Paulo (MASP) ran from August to October 2025, highlighting contradictions in art institutions. Curators Clarissa Diniz and Sandra Benites, who is Brazil's first Indigenous museum curator, departed from the 'Retomadas' module in May 2025, citing censorship regarding images from the Landless Workers' Movement (MST). They sought to ensure the free distribution of posters featuring the prohibited images and increased the number of free admission days. Comprising approximately 400 pieces by nine curators, the exhibition celebrated the 100th anniversary of the 1922 Modern Art Week and the bicentennial of Brazil's Independence. Concerns were raised about potential conflicts of interest involving MASP president Heitor Martins and his spouse, with critiques labeling the exhibition's framework as repetitive and insufficiently challenging colonial power structures.
Key facts
- The exhibition 'Histórias Brasileiras' was held at MASP from August to October 2025.
- Curators Clarissa Diniz and Sandra Benites accused MASP of censorship regarding MST images in May 2025.
- The exhibition featured around 400 works organized by nine curators across eight thematic modules.
- Works owned by MASP president Heitor Martins and his wife Fernanda Feitosa were displayed, raising conflict of interest concerns.
- The exhibition was structured around the centenary of the 1922 Modern Art Week and the bicentenary of Brazil's Independence.
- Curators secured free distribution of MST image posters and expanded MASP's free admission days after negotiations.
- The exhibition was criticized for redundancy and a lack of innovative categories despite its decolonial aims.
- The 'colonial system' critique extends to international contexts, referencing artist Nan Goldin's actions against museums like those tied to the Sackler family.
Entities
Artists
- Clarissa Diniz
- Sandra Benites
- João Zinclar
- Rosângela Rennó
- Jaider Esbell
- Abdias do Nascimento
- Nan Goldin
- Adriano Pedrosa
- André Mesquita
- Lilia Moritz Schwarcz
- Fernando Oliva
- Glaucea Helena de Britto
- Tomás Toledo
- Heitor Martins
- Fernanda Feitosa
Institutions
- Museu de Arte de São Paulo (MASP)
- Movimento Sem Terra (MST)
- Bienal
- Brasil de Fato
Locations
- São Paulo
- Brazil
- Argentina
- Paraguay