São Paulo is known for being Latin America’s financial and gastronomical center, the city also houses many art events, such as the Bienal de São Paulo, and the annual SP Arte, an important fair of the field.
With the ninth edition of the fair is arriving April 4–7 at the Pavilhão Ciccillo Matarazzo in Parque do Ibirapuera, BLOUIN ARTINFO Brasil talked to a few people that make up São Paulo’s art scene, to find out what they think you shouldn’t miss in the vibrant, sprawling metropolis. First up: Mariana Martins, co-founder and partner of Choque Cultural, a gallery focused on contemporary art and experimentations in edgy new media from young and talented artists. Here, her favorite picks of the city.
“I usually take my friends to Dalva & Dito for delicious Brazilian food, Epice for their creative cooking style, or to Bar do Biu, where you might have an experience closer to the Brazilian reality. And, if you’re not vegetarian, a rodízio steak house—specialized in all kinds of meats, sliced tableside from giant skewers, plus lavish all-you-can-eat buffet of sides—is an essential pit stop!”
In the Rua Augusta nightlife area, Martins heads to Z Carniceria (pictured) for the tipple of choice, a Mad Butcher (vodka, peach liqueur, passion fruit, Tabasco). A bloody mary with a downtown view at Ramona and Bar do Biu’s huge caipirinha are also favorites.
“I always take foreigners to Museu Afro Brasil, for a panoramic look at Brazilian art, and to MASP because of its amazing collection. But it’s Beco do Batman,” an alley in bohemian Villa Madalena is filled with street art, “that always fascinates them the most”.
In the Centro Velho (the older part of downtown), Martins loves the Edifício Martinelli, Brazil’s first skyscraper from the 1920s, and the Anhangabaú. “The architectural ensemble of the past century is amazing, though it’s a shame it’s so misused”.
Martins recommends heading to Liberdade, São Paulo’s Japan Town, for the diversity of goods and people and sights, as well as Vila Madalena for its style. She also recommends casting your artistic eye (and camera lens) on the wonders of multicolored fruit at the Mercado Municipal (Central Market).
“Get to know the people. São Paulo isn’t a geographical place, it’s human territory. There are people from the northeast and south of Brazil, Amazonians, English, and Angolan—all deeply paulistas. What makes the city is each of those people’s life projects, from all over the world, carried out here.”
“Hotels in São Paulo are a big problem! They’re either luxurious, too expensive five-star hotels, or too ordinary and sad. The city lacks a simple inn, a place that houses those who appreciate art, culture, have good taste, and are not millionaires. I can never recommend any to visiting friends and artists.”
Luckily, we can:
Alameda Jaú, 729 - Jardim Paulista
+55 11 4082 0000
As the ninth edition of SP Arte comes to town, BLOUIN ARTINFO Brasil taps co-founder Mariana Martins for her vibrant picks of where to stay, shop, drink, and eat.