While it's summer in England and London is hosting the Royal Academy of Arts' traditional Summer Exhibition, Rio's winter will be warmed up by the "Abraço Coletivo" exhibition, which will bring together works by more than 370 artists between July 17 and 26 at Lanchonete Lanchonete in Rio de Janeiro.
For the last two years I've been studying in England at the same time and I've had the opportunity to visit the Summer Exhibition both times. I was extremely impressed and happy because it's an exhibition that puts you face to face with thousands of works by artists from all over the world!
And all of a sudden this year, my dear friend Fabrício Faccio, one of the curators of Abraço Coletivo, invited me to take part in this delightful hug that starts today (17th). I feel very happy to be part of it and it made me want to write this article comparing these two exhibitions, especially to highlight the importance of movements like these.
In different settings, these two exhibitions share the same spirit: celebrating the diversity and vitality of contemporary art through inclusive, vibrant and essentially democratic exhibitions.
Exhibitions that broaden the view
The similarity between the two events goes beyond the large number of works. Both "Abraço Coletivo" and the "Summer Exhibition" have as their trademark the inclusive and celebratory nature of contemporary artistic production. They are shows that are not limited to famous names: they welcome artists at different stages of their careers, creating a visual mosaic where different techniques, languages and themes coexist - from the figurative to the abstract, from the political to the poetic.
These events are true thermometers of current art. They are rare opportunities to see multiple views of the world brought together side by side. The viewer becomes an explorer: in each work, a unique gesture of creation, a story, an emotion.
A collective and affective gesture
In the case of "Abraço Coletivo", the name already points to its curatorial proposal: a symbolic embrace between artists, audiences and territories. Held in Rio's effervescent cultural scene, the exhibition brings to light the power of the union between creators, valuing local production and at the same time dialoguing with international movements. The occupation of the Lanchonete Lanchonete as an exhibition space also carries a symbolic dimension: it is art taking over everyday spaces, breaking down elitist barriers and inviting the public to a spontaneous and accessible show.
In London, the centenary tradition of the Summer Exhibition carries a historical solemnity - but that doesn't stop the show from remaining pulsating, current and provocative. Curated by members of the Royal Academy, the annual selection attracts thousands of visitors and is an important gauge of the international market and critics. As in Rio, it is also an exhibition where lesser-known names share the walls with established artists - and often stand out.
The value of meetings like these
Projects like "Abraço Coletivo" and "Summer Exhibition" play a fundamental role in promoting contemporary art. They open up space for diversity - of styles, histories, origins - and act as springboards for artists who often don't have access to the big galleries. They also educate audiences by making art more accessible, closer and more alive.
More than displaying works, these exhibitions create community. They are celebrations of artistic making as a transformative power, as a space for exchange and collective construction. In a world often marked by fragmentation, initiatives like this remind us of the value of meeting, listening and shared beauty.
Art as a global link
Whether on the historic walls of the Royal Academy in London or in the democratic halls of Lanchonete Lanchonete in Rio, what we see is art fulfilling its essential mission: to connect. Connecting artists and spectators, territories and experiences, traditions and ruptures.
The "collective embrace" that begins in Rio echoes in London - and vice versa. Because where there is living art, there are always bridges being created.
