It is with great joy that Art in the Stations arrives in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, to celebrate the wealth of diversity in Brazilian culture through its artistic expressions. We take culture, history, and entertainment to different regions of Brazil through striking exhibits and transformative educational initiatives. By decentralizing the traditional geographic itinerary followed by arts exhibits, the project sheds light on significant works by artists who are not yet widely known, exploring diverse narratives and unique worldviews.
In its second edition, Art in the Stations arrives in the capital city of Campo Grande, state of Mato Grosso do Sul, presenting three parts of the collection of Museu Internacional de Arte Naïf do Brasil (Brazil’s International Naïve Art Museum). This museum, the largest in the world in its segment, was created based on the private collection of Lucien Finkelstein. With his unique sensitivity, Finkelstein was able to recognize the sensitivity and quality of those popular artists. The selection includes works by artists who are mostly self-taught, representing a variety of genres, places of origin, races and creeds — who, not surprisingly, are often marginalized in the visual arts scene.
Curated by Ulisses Carrilho, the “Heartache”, “Between Heaven and Earth”, and “By Fire and Iron” exhibits are held in Centro Cultural José Octávio Guizzo and, accompanied by an extensive educational program, they attempt to deconstruct the notion of ingenuousness attributed to these painters. The program, which is coordinated by Janaína Melo, is based on active listening and promotes dialogue and collective creation with diverse audiences: school communities, including teachers, students, and educators, people with disabilities, local residents, and visitors.
In 2023, the first edition, which was held simultaneously in three towns in the state of Minas Gerais — Ouro Preto (at Paço da Misericórdia), Congonhas (at Museu de Congonhas), and Conselheiro Lafaiete (at Museu Ferroviário) — was very successful, with more than 27 thousand visitors during the months it was held. Strategic partnerships with local educational networks were essential to ensure the involvement of 3,800 students, as well as teachers and the general public, through courses, workshops, and a diverse schedule of cultural activities. In Mato Grosso do Sul, this story maintains its vigor.
Now, the capital city of Campo Grande is our protagonist. Here, I emphasize our ongoing commitment to art, education, and partnerships that foster awareness and stimulate new forms of support. With an innovative spirit, by proposing the idea of this traveling exhibit, and dedication, by attempting to promote alternative itineraries to exhibit and create art, we keep building bridges, boosting a mutual-learning movement, and remaining confident in the notion of transformation through cultural emancipation.
Fabio Szwarcwald, creator and executive director