INSTITUTO ARTIUM DA CULTURA
SÂO PAULO, BRAZIL
MATÉRIA PRIMA
August 24 - November 23, 2024
INSTITUTO ARTIUM DA CULTURA
SÂO PAULO, BRAZIL
MATÉRIA PRIMA
August 24 - November 23, 2024
MÁTERIA PRIMA
Solo Exhibition and Environmental Activation
"Inspired by Instituto Artium's setting— a Louis XVI-style, one-hundred- year-old jewel box of a former manor house — the installation of GISELA COLÓN: MATÉRIA PRIMA was conceived as an echo of the final scene of legendary filmmaker Stanley Kubrick's classic science fiction film 2001: A Space Odyssey in which the film concludes with the protagonist in a Neo-classical bedroom with a futurist twist. In a 1980 interview, Kubrick explained the intent of the film's ending as, "God-like beings of 'pure energy and intelligence' place the astronaut in a human zoo, where he passes his entire life with 'no sense of time'" - Here in a hundred-year-old palacete in the tree-lined neighbourhood of Higienópolis viewers step back in time, and then upon encountering Gisela Colón's futurist monoliths, have their imaginations catapulted into an unknowable future.”
-- Simon Watson, Curator
About Instituto Artium
Instituto Artium de Cultura is committed to fostering quality art that is accessible to everyone. Since its establishment in 2021, it has boldly transcended geographical and social boundaries to nourish the Brazilian public with a continuous flow of educational, contemporary, and thought-provoking ideas. The institute believes that high-quality art can serve as a powerful vehicle for expression and transformation, enriching lives and inspiring change. Its programming is diverse and includes a wide range of artistic expressions, featuring works by renowned artists and a variety of exhibitions that elevate the cultural landscape.
Instituto Artium is dedicated to offering enriching experiences that stimulate reflection, initiate conversations, and expand possibilities. It has a special focus on positively impacting children from underserved communities and public schools. Regardless of their background, exposure to high-quality art is crucial for their development and for building a brighter future. The institute aims to ensure that art is accessible to everyone, striving to create an inclusive and welcoming environment where diversity is celebrated, allowing each individual to find inspiration and personal enrichment.
Visitors are invited to discover new perspectives, explore innovative forms of expression, and become part of the vibrant Artium community!
Historical, Architectural, and Cultural Heritage
The Palacete Stahl, an architectural gem built in the 1920s, stands as a historical landmark and the home of Instituto Artium de Cultura. Located on Rua Piauí in Higienópolis, this space has been open to the public, fostering connections with art and culture. Over its 100-year history, the Palacete has witnessed various economic cycles and transformations in the city and in the state of São Paulo. From its construction by a Swedish industrialist to serving as the consular residence of the Empire of Japan, the house carries a rich chronology that visitors can discover upon entering the space.
Following years of severe degradation from the 1980s to 2007, the property was acquired by its current owner in 2009 and underwent restoration to reverse the neglect it suffered. After a decade of being utilized by private companies, Instituto Artium's intervention in 2020 restored much of the building's original features, showcasing the Louis XVI style typical of early 20th-century eclectic architecture in São Paulo.
The institute has undertaken the challenge of restoring this historic heritage using its resources while adhering strictly to guidelines established by Conpresp. The restoration involved renewing essential sanitation and safety structures, as well as recovering original decorative elements, returning the facade to its original appearance. Now, its spacious rooms and gardens are open to the public free of charge, offering various activities that deepen community engagement and preserve local history. Today, Palacete Stahl stands not only as a historic building but as a cultural hub for the present and an investment in the future.
Museum exhibition hours
August 24 – November 3, 2024
Wednesday to Sunday from 12 noon to 5:30pm