BiennialJune 21, 2024
The São Paulo Biennial announces conceptual team for its 36th edition
The São Paulo Biennial Foundation announced the conceptual team for the 36th São Paulo Biennial. Headed by curator Bonaventure Soh Bejeng Ndikung, the team comprises co-curators Alya Sebti, Anna Roberta Goetz, and Thiago de Paula Souza, along with Keyna Eleison, the large-scale co-curator, and Henriette Gallus, the strategy and communication advisor.
Ndikung emphasizes the importance of this team in shaping a comprehensive vision for the upcoming exhibition, highlighting their diverse backgrounds and shared commitment to artistic integrity and justice.
Keyna Eleison (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 1979): Curator, researcher, and educator in art and culture. She coordinated public institutions for the Department of Culture in Rio de Janeiro and taught at the Escola de Artes Visuais do Parque Lage. She is the founder of the Nacional Trovoa collective, which highlights the artistic production of black women. She has curated several biennials and served as artistic director of the Museum of Modern Art in Rio de Janeiro.
Thiago de Paula Souza (São Paulo, Brazil, 1985): Curator and educator. Co-curator of the 38th Panorama of Brazilian Art at MAM São Paulo (2024). He has co-curated various international exhibitions and served as a curatorial advisor for events such as the Berlin Biennial and the Carnegie International.
Alya Sebti (Casablanca, Morocco, 1983): Curator of contemporary art and director of ifa-Galerie in Berlin. She has co-curated biennials such as Manifesta and served as artistic director of the Marrakech Biennial. She is known for her publications on art and mentors curatorial programs in Berlin and Marrakech.
Henriette Gallus (Grevesmühlen, Germany, 1983): Communication and cultural strategist, editor. She has worked in communication for cultural events like documenta. She is currently the deputy director of the House of World Cultures in Berlin.
Anna Roberta Goetz (Basel, Switzerland, 1984): Curator and writer. Her research interests include artistic strategies that challenge social narratives and hierarchies. She has authored numerous publications on contemporary art.
The 36th São Paulo Biennial is scheduled to open in September 2025, with further announcements regarding additional team members and curatorial themes expected later this year.
Ndikung emphasizes the importance of this team in shaping a comprehensive vision for the upcoming exhibition, highlighting their diverse backgrounds and shared commitment to artistic integrity and justice.
Keyna Eleison (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 1979): Curator, researcher, and educator in art and culture. She coordinated public institutions for the Department of Culture in Rio de Janeiro and taught at the Escola de Artes Visuais do Parque Lage. She is the founder of the Nacional Trovoa collective, which highlights the artistic production of black women. She has curated several biennials and served as artistic director of the Museum of Modern Art in Rio de Janeiro.
Thiago de Paula Souza (São Paulo, Brazil, 1985): Curator and educator. Co-curator of the 38th Panorama of Brazilian Art at MAM São Paulo (2024). He has co-curated various international exhibitions and served as a curatorial advisor for events such as the Berlin Biennial and the Carnegie International.
Alya Sebti (Casablanca, Morocco, 1983): Curator of contemporary art and director of ifa-Galerie in Berlin. She has co-curated biennials such as Manifesta and served as artistic director of the Marrakech Biennial. She is known for her publications on art and mentors curatorial programs in Berlin and Marrakech.
Henriette Gallus (Grevesmühlen, Germany, 1983): Communication and cultural strategist, editor. She has worked in communication for cultural events like documenta. She is currently the deputy director of the House of World Cultures in Berlin.
Anna Roberta Goetz (Basel, Switzerland, 1984): Curator and writer. Her research interests include artistic strategies that challenge social narratives and hierarchies. She has authored numerous publications on contemporary art.
The 36th São Paulo Biennial is scheduled to open in September 2025, with further announcements regarding additional team members and curatorial themes expected later this year.
