‘By studying birds’ navigation skills, their impulse to migrate across land and water, their survival instincts and their expanded sense of space and time,’ explains Bonaventure Soh Bejeng Ndikung explains, ‘We were able to engage with artistic practices in different geographic regions while reflecting on the meaning of bringing humanity together in the context of the 36th Bienal de São Paulo.’

A central figure of this year’s Bienal is Sir Frank Bowling, represented by 25 paintings spanning his entire career. Installed across every floor of the Bienal building, his work becomes a recurring motif of the exhibition. This milestone marks Bowling’s most significant recognition in South America to date—the region of his birth.

One of the largest and longest running exhibitions in the Southern Hemisphere, the Bienal de São Paulo will bring together 120 participants at the Bienal Pavilion and a further five at Casa do Povo in the Tributaries program.

Participating Artists

Adama Delphine Fawundu; Adjani Okpu-Egbe; Aislan Pankararu; Akinbode Akinbiyi; Alain Padeau; Alberto Pitta; Aline Baiana; Amina Agueznay; Ana Raylander Mártis dos Anjos; Andrew Roberts; Antonio Társis; Behjat Sadr; Berenice Olmedo; Bertina Lopes; Camille Turner; Carla Gueye; Cevdet Erek; Chaïbia Talal; Christopher Cozier; Cici Wu with Yuan Yuan; Cynthia Hawkins; Edival Ramosa; Emeka Ogboh; Ernest Cole; Ernest Mancoba; Farid Belkahia; Firelei Báez; Forensic Architecture; Forugh Farrokhzad; Frank Bowling; Frankétienne; Gê Viana; Gervane de Paula; Gōzō Yoshimasu; Hajra Waheed; Hamedine Kane; Hamid Zénati; Hao Jingban; Heitor dos Prazeres; Helena Uambembe; Hessie (Carmen Lydia Đurić); Huguette Caland; I Gusti Ayu Kadek Murniasih (Murni); Imran Mir; Isa Genzken; Joar Nango with the Girjegumpi crew; Josèfa Ntjam; Juliana dos Santos; Julianknxx; Kader Attia; Kamala Ibrahim Ishag; Kenzi Shiokava; Korakrit Arunanondchai; Laila Hida; Laure Prouvost; Leiko Ikemura; Leila Alaoui; Leo Asemota; Leonel Vásquez; Lidia Lisbôa; Lynn Hershman Leeson; Madame Zo; Madiha Umar; Malika Agueznay; Manauara Clandestina; Mansour Ciss Kanakassy; Mao Ishikawa; Márcia Falcão; Maria Auxiliadora; María Magdalena Campos-Pons; Marlene Almeida; Maxwell Alexandre; Meriem Bennani; Metta Pracrutti; Michele Ciacciofera; Ming Smith; Minia Biabiany; Moffat Takadiwa; Mohamed Melehi; Moisés Patrício; Myriam Omar Awadi; Myrlande Constant; Nádia Taquary; Nari Ward; Nguyễn Trinh Thi; Noor Abed; Nzante Spee; Olivier Marboeuf; Olu Oguibe; Oscar Murillo; Otobong Nkanga; Pélagie Gbaguidi; Pol Taburet; Precious Okoyomon; Raukura Turei; Raven Chacon with Iggor Cavalera & Laima Leyton; Rebeca Carapiá; Richianny Ratovo; Ruth Ige; Sadikou Oukpedjo; Sallisa Rosa; Sara Sejin Chang (Sara van der Heide); Sérgio Soarez; Sertão Negro; Sharon Hayes; Shuvinai Ashoona; Simnikiwe Buhlungu; Song Dong; Suchitra Mattai; Tanka Fonta; Thania Petersen; Theo Eshetu; Théodore Diouf; Theresah Ankomah; Trương Công Tùng; Tuần Andrew Nguyễn; Vilanismo; Werewere Liking; Wolfgang Tillmans; Zózimo Bulbul.

Tributaries program (Casa do Povo): Alexandre Paulikevitch; Boxe Autônomo; Dorothée Munyaneza; Marcelo Evelin; MEXA. –

The 36th Bienal de São Paulo, ‘Not All Travellers Walk Roads – Of Humanity as Practice,’ is on view from 6 September 2025 – 11 January 2026, Ciccillo Matarazzo Pavilion, Ibirapuera Park, São Paulo