Introduction

FRESTAS Triennial of Arts is a major contemporary art exhibition initiated in 2014 by SESC (Social Service of Commerce) in Sorocaba, São Paulo state, Brazil. The name "FRESTAS" means "cracks" or "fissures" in Portuguese, symbolizing the exhibition's mission to explore gaps, ruptures, and overlooked spaces in contemporary society through artistic practices.

Taking place every three years, FRESTAS has quickly established itself as one of Brazil's most significant art events, distinguished by its thematic approach to pressing social and political issues. Each edition is organized around a central concept that serves as a framework for critical inquiry, addressing topics such as social inequality, environmental crisis, decolonization, and collective memory.

What distinguishes FRESTAS from other major art exhibitions is its deliberate positioning outside Brazil's dominant cultural centers of Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo city. By establishing a significant international art platform in Sorocaba, the triennial contributes to the decentralization of Brazil's cultural landscape while fostering dialogue between local contexts and global perspectives.

Narrative & Themes

FRESTAS approaches contemporary art as a means of social investigation and political intervention. Each edition explores themes that resonate with Brazil's complex social reality while connecting to broader global concerns. The triennial emphasizes art that engages directly with urgent issues such as racial justice, indigenous rights, gender equality, and environmental sustainability.

The curatorial vision of FRESTAS consistently prioritizes diversity and inclusivity, bringing together artists from different backgrounds, generations, and practices. The exhibition places particular emphasis on works by artists from historically marginalized communities, including Afro-Brazilian, indigenous, and LGBTQ+ artists, whose perspectives challenge dominant historical narratives and power structures.

Beyond presenting finished artworks, FRESTAS embraces process-based and collaborative practices. Many participating artists develop projects specifically for the triennial, often involving research, community engagement, and site-specific interventions. This approach creates meaningful connections between the exhibition and its local context, while fostering dialogue across disciplinary, cultural, and geographical boundaries.

History & Context

FRESTAS was initiated in 2014 by SESC, an influential non-profit private institution that operates throughout Brazil with a mission to promote social welfare through education, health, culture, and leisure activities. The triennial emerged from SESC's commitment to democratizing access to culture and using art as a vehicle for social development and critical thinking.

The establishment of FRESTAS coincided with a period of significant social and political transformation in Brazil, marked by mass protests, economic challenges, and intensifying debates about the country's democratic future. From its inception, the triennial positioned itself as a platform for artistic responses to these conditions, creating space for critical reflection and imaginative alternatives.

Curatorial Vision

FRESTAS has developed a distinctive curatorial approach characterized by thematic depth, critical engagement, and collective processes. Each edition is shaped by curators who bring diverse perspectives and methodologies, creating exhibitions that function as platforms for multiple voices rather than singular authorial visions.

The curatorial teams often work closely with artists, researchers, educators, and community members throughout the exhibition development, embracing collaborative and horizontally structured processes. This approach reflects a commitment to decolonizing curatorial practice and challenging traditional hierarchies within the art world.

Keyna Eleison

Co-curator, 2025 edition

Artistic Director of MAM Rio

Vivian Caccuri

Co-curator, 2025 edition

Artist and researcher

Featured Artists

FRESTAS presents a diverse array of contemporary artists from Brazil and internationally, with particular focus on practitioners from Latin America, Africa, and other regions of the Global South. The triennial provides a platform for both established figures and emerging voices, creating opportunities for intergenerational dialogue and exchange.

Many artists featured in FRESTAS work across disciplines and media, embracing experimental approaches that blur boundaries between art, activism, research, and community engagement. The exhibition showcases a wide range of practices, from performance and installation to film, photography, sound art, and digital media.

Luiz de Abreu

Brazil

Castiel Vitorino

Brazil

Francis Alÿs

Belgium/Mexico

Rosana Paulino

Brazil

Ibrahim Mahama

Ghana

Paulo Nazareth

Brazil