Three simultaneous São Paulo exhibitions explore the city's identity

Three distinct exhibitions in São Paulo simultaneously investigate the city itself, a coincidence that underscores the metropolis's relentless transformation. Two recently inaugurated cultural centers—SESC 24 de Maio and Instituto Moreira Salles—both opened with shows about São Paulo. At IMS, "São Paulo no livro fotográfico" (curated by Miguel Del Castillo) presents a selection of photographic publications dedicated to the city, from 1954 books celebrating its progress to contemporary works like Felipe Russo's "Centro" (2015), which captures dawn scenes with subtle traces of humanity. Also at IMS, "Três ensaios visuais" (curated by Guilherme Wisnik) features a single looping video with voiceover, organized into three themes—Advertising, Characters, and Constructions/Demolitions—tracing São Paulo's evolution from the mid-19th century. At SESC, "São Paulo não é uma cidade. Invenções do centro" (curated by Paulo Herkenhoff and Leno Veras) is a non-chronological almanac of historical events and artworks about the city center, with categories like "Liquid Market" and "Paulista Fire." The overlapping voices of the three shows portray a city whose only constant is its vigorous, implacable transformation. The exhibitions run through July 2018 (IMS) and January 28, 2018 (SESC).