São Paulo Bienal's 70th anniversary ignites debate on Brazilian selection, politics, and institutional critique.

The 70th anniversary of the São Paulo Bienal is marked by various commemorative events, including a podcast, a film, and a new edition of its archives. The main exhibition of the 34th edition opened with a pronounced political focus, revealing the complete list of participants. Criticism has arisen regarding the Brazilian selection for Venice, highlighting concerns about perceived authoritarianism in the Fundação Bienal de São Paulo. Entitled '36th Bienal: humanity as practice,' the event delves into themes of cross-pollination and radical imagination. Some critics suggest that a 'Bienal of hope' may romanticize disasters. Over its 70-year history, the institution has seen both achievements and failures, with the current edition continuing its engagement with contemporary issues. The anniversary programming seeks to document the institution's intricate history.