Theme of the 38th Panorama of Brazilian Art

The curatorial proposal of the 38th Panorama of Brazilian Art is to critically elaborate on the current reality of Brazil under the notion of heat-limit, a concept that refers to a temperature at which everything melts, disintegrates and transforms. The project seeks to outline a multidimensional horizon of contemporary Brazilian artistic production, establishing points of contact and contrast between different investigations and practices that share a high energetic intensity. The research conducted by the curators was guided by five thematic axes: General Ecology, Original Territories, Tropical Lead, Body-Devices, and Trances and Crossings. The axes do not serve as nuclei or segments of the exhibition, but rather as guiding threads that instigate reflections and interpretations, outlining possible relations between the works based on these perspectives. 

In General Ecology, ecological notions and expanded environmental practices are highlighted, centering around a vision of total interconnectivity. Original Territories presents narratives and experiences of native peoples, quilombolas and other ways of life outside the uniformizing matrix of capital, capable of reflecting alternative views on Brazil’s invention and current situation. Tropical Lead, in turn, will offer critical interpretations that subvert imaginaries and representations of Brazil, calling into question central aspects of national identity. Body-Devices is the line that seeks to bring forth experimental interventions and reflections on the continuous corporeal transmutation of beings and things, with their hybridisms and interrelations, while Trances and Crossings addresses transcendental knowledge, spiritual practices and ecstatic experiences that channel vital mysteries. 

Artists: Adriano Amaral (SP), Advânio Lessa (MG), Ana Clara Tito (RJ), Antonio Tarsis (BA), Davi Pontes (RJ), Dona Romana (TO), Frederico Filippi (SP), Gabriel Massan (RJ), Ivan Campos (AC), Jayme Fygura (BA), Jonas Van & Juno B. (CE), José Adário dos Santos (BA), Joseca Mokahesi Yanomami (RR), Labō (PA) & Rafaela Kennedy (AM), Laís Amaral (RJ), Lucas Arruda (SP), Marcus Deusdedit (MG), Maria Lira Marques (MG), Marina Woisky (SP), Marlene Costa de Almeida (PB), Melissa de Oliveira (RJ), Mestre Nado (PE), MEXA (SP), Noara Quintana (SC), Paulo Nimer Pjota (SP), Paulo Pires (MT), Rafael RG (SP), Rebeca Carapiá (BA), Rop Cateh—Alma painted in Terra de Encantaria dos Akroá Gamella (MA)—in collaboration with Gê Viana (MA) and Thiago Martins de Melo (MA), Sallisa Rosa (GO), Solange Pessoa (MG), Tropa do Gurilouko (RJ), Zahy Tentehar (MA) and Zimar (MA).

About the Panorama of Brazilian Art of MAM São Paulo
The series of exhibitions Panorama of Brazilian Art began in 1969 and happened simultaneously to the installation of MAM São Paulo at its headquarters on Ibirapuera Park’s marquee. The first editions of the Panorama left their marks on the history of the museum for contributing directly and effectively to the formation of its contemporary art collection. Throughout the 37 exhibitions held to date, MAM’s Panorama has sought to establish productive dialogues with different notions about the Brazilian artistic production, our history, culture and society. Held every two years, it always produces new reflections on the most critical debates in contemporary Brazil. 

Curatorship: Germano Dushá and Thiago de Paula Souza
Associate curator: Ariana Nuala