Music, dance, paintings and sculptures are part of the cultural Expointer

In different spaces, the fair offers activities for the public interested in art

Every Gaucho knows that Expointer is a place for animals, machines and products from family farming. But you'd be wrong if you thought that the program ended there. The largest open-air agricultural fair in Latin America, held at the Assis Brasil Exhibition Park in Esteio, also offers different cultural activities, ranging from exhibitions to musical performances.

One of the representatives of culture in the park is the Estância da Arte, located on a "corner" of the International Pavilion and open every day of the fair, from 8 am to 8 pm. It's hard to walk past and not pay attention: there are 48 works on display, including drawings, paintings and sculptures. With the theme “Without Borders,” the exhibition, which is in its fourth edition, presents the work of seven artists, two of whom are Argentine and one Uruguayan: Aldo Chiappe, Caé Braga, Lauren de Bacco, Maurício Fidelis, Nakle, Nazareno Gonzalez and Voldinei Lucas. There is also a space dedicated exclusively to the works of curator Marciano Schmitz.

The paintings and pieces depict country life and the landscapes and traditions of the pampas. Horses, fields, ranches and traditional clothing are part of the works, inviting the public to explore new perspectives on the gaucho culture.

“We were impressed. We could imagine ourselves inside the paintings, because the artists portray every detail. We are from the countryside and we identify with the paintings”, says the attendant Evandra Nunes, 21, who visited the place with her boyfriend Bruno Medeiros, 31.

And that is precisely the objective: to make people who live this reality in their daily lives see themselves reflected in art. The curator of the exhibition highlights that, many times, he sees the public moved when they see themselves in the paintings.

“There is a spirit in this exhibition that is in line with the fair. Art should reach out to people, and not be limited to the artists themselves. The most beautiful thing is to see people who come from work, from the countryside, following along”, says Marciano, who is from Novo Hamburgo, in Vale do Sinos. “They know more than us; they are the ones who judge. I have seen situations in which they were very enchanted.”

The Argentinean from Buenos Aires, Aldo Chiappe, who has worked with the theme for 15 years, is exhibiting in Brazil for the first time. He says he was impressed by the cultural connection between Rio Grande do Sul and the neighboring country, which have similar scenes to put on the screen.

“It’s the pastoral, peasant life of humans in contact with animals, such as cows and horses. It’s a conversation between cultures. The pampas unite us,” says Chiappe.

Last year, the exhibition broke attendance records, receiving a total of 40,000 visitors. This year, 50,000 are expected. The event is being held by the cultural production company Simples Assim, through the Federal Law of Cultural Incentive.

Diversity in presentations

The Main Stage, located near the traditional spheres of Expointer, is also an option for those who want to follow cultural activities. Every day, from 2 pm to 7 pm, there are presentations of the so-called 2nd Exhibition of Gaucho Culture at Parque Assis Brasil.

Promoted by Harden Consultoria Cultural, also through the Federal Law of Cultural Incentive, the event features dance groups, instrumental exhibitions, nativist shows and even photography exhibitions. In addition to big names in Rio Grande do Sul music, the exhibition also gives a chance to smaller artists. “It’s an opportunity for a beginner artist to have their first experience at Expointer”, says the director of the consultancy, Fabrício Harden.

On the afternoon of Tuesday (27/8), the first performance of the exhibition was by Edison Gaúcho, with the show Força Gaúcha. The group, from a steakhouse in Porto Alegre, danced with machetes, chula and boleadeiras. The latter dance included the participation of members of the audience: the device made of ropes lifted the hair of the young guest, eliciting screams of excitement from her and the audience.

“I was a little anxious because the boleadeira passed very close, but it was really cool. I stopped by to watch the presentation by chance and I loved being a part of it,” says inseminator Carla Tonelotto, 18.

“There are all kinds of people in the audience, from people who have been waiting for the presentation to those who have no idea and are here by chance, curious. That’s the best part, because little by little they start to like what they’re seeing. It’s gratifying,” says Edison.

After the group’s presentation, it was time for the photo exhibition by Virgínia Souza, photographer and owner of Estampa da Tradição, whose main work is recording images of traditional dances. The photos, which captured unique moments in the art of the Centro de Tradições Gaúchas (CTGs) and the competitions, were shown on the big screen and commented on by the professional.
“I think it’s great that Expointer offers programming for all audiences. The exhibition was an opportunity to show that the culture of Rio Grande do Sul is not restricted to certain seasons, but is present all year round,” he summarizes.

Accessibility

The fair’s cultural activities offer a series of resources to promote inclusion. At Estância da Arte, for example, there is mediation in sign language for people with hearing impairments, access ramps for those with mobility limitations, and audio descriptions of the works for visitors with visual impairments.

Some works also feature tactile boards. The initiative reproduces the paintings in a smaller size with other materials, which allow people with visual impairments to feel textures and grasp the works with their fingers.

“It’s a way for us to invite all audiences. This week, we will welcome entities that will bring their members due to the inclusion initiatives,” says Daniel Henz, from the production company Simples Assim.

On the Main Stage, some of the presentations also offer accessibility resources. The photography exhibition, for example, was translated into sign language.

Art Farm

What: exhibition of paintings, drawings and sculptures
When: 8am to 8pm
Where: International Pavilion

2nd Gaucho Culture Exhibition at Parque Assis Brasil

What: performances by dance groups, nativist shows and instrumental and photographic exhibitions
When: 2pm to 7pm
Where: Main Stage, near the Expointer spheres

Schedule

The schedule can be found on the Expointer website. The fair continues until next Sunday (1/9).
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