Gagged in Guaraná-land

Danish artist collective Superflex were asked to participate in the São Paulo Art Biennial. The curators were particularly interested in the Guaraná Power project, because it relates directly to social and economical issues in rural Brazil:
In effect, Guaraná Power is a full frontal on Ambev and Pepsi-co who, according to Superflex, have been monopolizing the brazilian Guaraná-berries, popular in refreshing softdrinks world-wide, thus forcing prices - and life standard of farmers in central amazonas - down.

The widely-known and lauded work did however not appeal to the president of the Biennial, Manoel Francisco Píres da Costa:

"Manoel Francisco Píres da Costa, annulled the invitation made by the group of curators to show this particular work. Mr Píres da Costa stated that XXXXXXX XXXXX is not a piece of art but “a product whose foremost aim is commercialism” and therefore cannot be shown at the biennial. According to the definition of Píres da Costa, the work XXXXXXX XXXXX is not considered “artistic activity” and goes against the “purposes foreseen” in the laws of the foundation". More here


Superflex have removed all references deemed problematic by mr. da Costa and plan to serve the censored version of Guarana Power at parties outside the biennial.

Clever move. To put a gag on a popular work of art like this - on the most important exhibition in Brazil - it´s bound to go unnoticed..

Read more about the background and trademark issues relating to this project

UPDATED:
Brazils biggest newspaper, Folha de Sao Paolo had this story yesterday: "Art group accuses biennial foundation of censorhip". According to this article, the decision to drop Superflex´ work had to do with legal issues (that is, "we could get in trouble"), not curatorial issues.

I spoke to Jakob Fenger from Superflex this morning, who informed me that Mr. da Costa has elsewhere uttered that he finds the Guraná Power plain "bad taste". Well, maybe he hasn´t had a taste yet.. Luckily, cans like these will be served around town over the newt few days.

At a press meeting yesterday a hungry press inquired into the matter until, angrily, mr. da Costa refused more comments. So much for free speech and artistic freedom..

Saturday Brazilian president Lula and other VIPs will visit the Sao Paulo art biennal, which opens to the public on Sunday.