Following the successful opening of Crossing the Divide—an exhibition that brought a significant selection of contemporary Cuban artworks to Brazil—directors of the Instituto Cervantes and SP–Arte, along with several gallerists participating in this year’s edition, invited representatives of the Museum of Contemporary Art of the Americas (MoCAA), based in South Florida, for a guided visit to the fair. The fortunate temporal convergence of both events—each of considerable relevance in its own right—provided a unique opportunity for gallerists and artists to engage with, and learn more about, the dynamic art scene of South Florida, particularly the Cuban visual arts movement. Leonardo Rodríguez, executive director of MoCAA, offered further insights on the matter.
During an extensive two-hour walkthrough, Rodríguez and artist Ivonne Ferrer—also MoCAA’s deputy director and director of the Fine Arts Ceramic Center—visited numerous galleries participating in SP–Arte 2025. Many expressed genuine interest in exploring opportunities to exhibit within Miami’s vibrant cultural circuit and at MoCAA in particular. The museum’s leadership remained open and receptive to the possibility of future collaborations. In a reciprocal gesture, several galleries inquired about presenting works by Cuban artists represented in the museum’s collection (Rodríguez Collection), whether through solo or group exhibitions hosted in their own spaces.
As is well known among professionals in the field of visual arts, SP–Arte is a leading international art fair held annually in São Paulo, Brazil, since its founding in 2005. Widely regarded as the most prominent art fair in Latin America, it brings together galleries and design studios representing both modern and contemporary artists from the 20th and 21st centuries. In addition to galleries and studios, the fair also hosts editorial houses, museums, and cultural institutions.
This 21st edition, which concluded on Sunday after opening its doors on Wednesday, April 2, at the Bienal Pavilion in Ibirapuera Park, gathered approximately 200 exhibitors, including 102 modern and contemporary art galleries and 16 design studios. It has solidified its status as a vital meeting point for artists, gallerists, collectors, and the general public—playing a critical role in promoting culture and strengthening the regional art market. The fair is celebrated not only for its curated presentations but also for its contribution to the creative economy, generating significant sales and stimulating new investments in the arts sector. Furthermore, it serves as a vital platform for diverse narratives and perspectives, giving space to Indigenous, Afro-descendant, LGBTQIA+, and peripheral voices—thus reflecting a structural transformation within the global art world.
Among the more than 100 participating national and international galleries were renowned names such as Galeria Nara Roesler, Fortes D'Aloia & Gabriel, Galeria Luisa Strina, Mendes Wood DM, Galeria Millan, Vermelho, Galeria Leme, Galeria Athena, Galeria Sardenberg, and Galeria Mitre. The artist roster featured both established and emerging figures, including Adriana Varejão, Lygia Pape, Abraham Palatnik, Luiz Sacilotto, Tereza Costa Rêgo, Yayoi Kusama, Lucas Arruda, Vivian Caccuri, Antonio Tarsis, and Di Cavalcanti. Emerging voices such as Adriana Coppio also drew critical attention for the sensitivity and depth of her figurative painting.
In summary, the leadership of the Museum of Contemporary Art of the Americas viewed this extended visit as an unparalleled opportunity to connect with key figures in the contemporary art world—among them gallerists, curators, and collectors. Further details and behind-the-scenes highlights from these encounters will be shared in forthcoming reports.