SP-Arte 2025: BrazilS Art Scene Booming, Drawing Global Attention
São Paulo’s SP-Arte fair ignites Brazil’s art market, as international collectors flock to Latin america’s largest art event after a prolonged absence, signaling renewed interest and vibrant artistic expression.
While the first quarter of 2025 has passed, the opening of SP-Arte, Latin America’s largest art fair, effectively commenced Brazil’s art calendar this week in São Paulo. the 21st edition of the fair, running until April 6th, showcases around 200 exhibitors at the Bienal Pavilion in Ibirapuera Park. The event features a strong presence of Brazilian galleries and a notable number of design dealers,drawing attention from both domestic and international art enthusiasts.
SP-Arte plays a crucial role in setting the tone for the Brazilian art scene for the remainder of the year, according to Fernanda Feitosa, the fair’s founder and executive director. It sets the mood in the Brazilian art sector for the rest of the semester, and maybe even the rest of the year,
Feitosa told The Art newspaper, adding that the feedback from Wednesday’s VIP preview was encouraging: When you see gallery owners smiling, you know that their stand is doing well.
The positive atmosphere extended beyond the preview, with many dealers reporting strong sales and engagement during the fair’s opening hours. Juliana Asmir, sales director at the Brazilian gallery A Gentil Carioca, noted, We haven’t stopped a minute.
This bustling activity signals a potential resurgence for the Brazilian art market on the global stage.
Renewed International Interest Fuels Optimism
Feitosa noted that global art market momentum had shifted from Latin America to Asia in recent years. However, current observations suggest a renewed interest in Brazilian art from international collectors and museum representatives. This shift could have significant implications for the U.S. art market, potentially influencing collecting trends and museum acquisitions.
The interest in the fair is returning,
Feitosa stated. Eighty foreigners contacted us and that is almost triple the number of foreign collectors and curators we had in the past few editions.
This surge in international interest underscores the growing recognition of Brazilian artistic talent and the increasing importance of SP-Arte as a global art destination.
Visitors at São Paulo’s Bienal Pavilion during the VIP preview of SP-Arte on April 2 Courtesy SP-Arte
Hirshhorn curator Highlights SP-Arte’s Resurgence
Jose Roca,the Colombian curator at large of Latin American and Latin Diasporic art at the Smithsonian’s Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden and the co-curator of the upcoming Bogotá Biennial,is among the international art figures returning to SP-Arte. His presence highlights the fair’s growing importance and its role in shaping the global art discourse.
I hadn’t been to the fair sence before the pandemic and I must say that Brazil has overcome the slump that all art fairs faced as a result of Covid,
Roco said. You can see in the quality of the works the galleries chose to bring to the fair. It truly seems very, very vibrant.
This positive assessment from a prominent curator further solidifies SP-arte’s position as a leading art event.
The Hirshhorn’s focus on Latin American and Latin Diasporic art is particularly relevant for U.S. audiences, as it reflects a growing gratitude for diverse artistic perspectives and a commitment to showcasing underrepresented voices in the art world. Roca’s involvement in SP-Arte underscores the museum’s dedication to engaging with the global art scene and fostering cross-cultural dialog.
Collector Perspectives
Collectors like Vicki and Seth Kogan, based in Los angeles, have been acquiring art for over a decade, including works by artists like Jeffrey Gibson. Their presence at SP-Arte reflects a continued interest in discovering new talent and expanding their collections with international art.
The increased participation of U.S.-based collectors and curators at SP-Arte can influence art market trends in the United States. Exposure to Brazilian and Latin American art may lead to greater representation of these artists in U.S. galleries, museums, and private collections. This, in turn, could drive demand and increase the value of works by Latin American artists.
SP-Arte: A Catalyst for Brazilian Art
SP-Arte’s resurgence underscores the growing recognition of Brazil’s vibrant art scene and its increasing influence on the global art market. With renewed international interest and a strong showing of Brazilian galleries, the fair is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of art in Latin America and beyond.
SP-Arte 2025: Key Facts
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | SP-Arte 2025 |
| Location | Bienal Pavilion, Ibirapuera Park, São Paulo, Brazil |
| Dates | Until April 6, 2025 |
| Exhibitors | Approximately 200 |
| Focus | Brazilian galleries, design dealers, and Latin American art |
How does SP-Arte contribute to the Hirshhorn’s mission of broadening perspectives and engaging with global art dialog?
SP-Arte 2025: an Interview with Jose Roca on Brazil’s Booming Art Scene
introduction
Archyde News: Welcome, Jose Roca, to Archyde. It’s a pleasure to have you.For our readers, Jose Roca is the Colombian curator at large of Latin American and Latin Diasporic art at the Smithsonian’s Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, and a co-curator of the upcoming Bogotá Biennial. We’re thrilled to get your insights on SP-Arte 2025.
jose Roca: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to be here and share my perspectives on this exciting event.
SP-Arte’s Resurgence
Archyde News: Mr. Roca, you mentioned you hadn’t attended SP-Arte since before the pandemic. What’s your overall impression of the fair’s resurgence, and what specifically has stood out to you?
Jose Roca: My overall impression is overwhelmingly positive. Brazil has clearly overcome the challenges faced by all art fairs during the pandemic. What’s truly notable is the quality of the artworks being showcased. The galleries have clearly curated strong selections. It feels very vibrant, a real testament to the resilience and dynamism of the Brazilian art scene.
The Hirshhorn’s Outlook
archyde News: The Hirshhorn’s focus on Latin American and Latin Diasporic art is particularly relevant. How does SP-Arte contribute to the museum’s mission of broadening perspectives and engaging with global art dialog?
Jose Roca: SP-Arte is invaluable in that respect.It provides a direct window into what’s happening in Brazil and the broader latin American art scene. It allows us to discover new talent, strengthen relationships with galleries, and actively participate in shaping the global art dialog. It’s a critical opportunity to connect with artists and understand the contemporary art landscape from it’s source.
The Impact on the Global Art Market
Archyde News: We’ve seen a revitalized interest from international collectors and curators. How do you see this renewed attention impacting the U.S. art market and, more broadly, collecting trends?
jose Roca: Absolutely. The increased participation of U.S. collectors and curators, the impact on U.S. galleries, museums, and private collections, driving demand and increasing the value of works by Latin American artists. It signals growth that will enrich the global art landscape. We can expect to see greater portrayal of Brazilian and Latin American art in U.S. institutions, influencing collecting trends, and opening up new markets.
The Future of Brazilian Art
Archyde News: what excites you most about the future of Brazilian art, and what role do you see SP-Arte playing in that future?
Jose Roca: I am most excited about the untapped potential and dynamic energy of Brazilian artists. SP-Arte is a catalyst here; it is absolutely vital for this scene. By bringing together international attention and showcasing emerging talent,it empowers artists,boosts galleries,and solidifies Brazil’s position as a key player in the global art arena. This event is not just an art fair; it is a driver of cultural change.
Call to Action
Archyde News: Mr.Roca, thank you again for your time and valuable insights. Before we conclude, what message would you give to our readers who are interested in Brazilian and Latin American art and perhaps considering visiting future art fairs?
Jose Roca: Come and see for yourself! Explore the art, engage in the conversations, and support the artists. The artistic and creative production here is diverse, vibrant, and insightful. There is no better way to witness the brilliance of Brazilian art at its best then by joining in on these events.
