Paul Setúbal, born in Goiás, Brazil (1987). Lives and works between São Paulo, Brazil and Málaga, Spain.

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PhD in Art and Visual Culture at Federal University of Goiás. His research is based on art, images and culture.

 

The body is a dimension constantly explored in Setúbal's production, considered as an important social and geographical support of discussions that permeate situations of conflict, either as a way of experiencing and testing its physical limits, or as a way of translating relations of power. His research is based on different types of media as performance, sculpture, installation, drawing, painting, photo and video art, addressing the problems and symbologies of the body in contemporary society and its use.

With an eye for detail and an in-depth fascination with the human form, Setúbal plunges into the intricate problems and symbologies of the body, offering an unfiltered lens through which to view the challenges of control, violence, and power relationships confronting our contemporary existence.

Although his work is entrenched in the socio-political landscapes of colonizated countries, it stands as a resonant commentary, reflecting and amplifying the harsh social inequalities, historical traumas, and persistent political strife of the contemporary societies. While deeply personal, his works intertwine with broader socio-political discourse, inviting viewers to navigate the complex dynamics of conflict and resistance.

Setúbal’s work deal with a proactive commentary on the politics of the body and the complex relationships of power that shape it. Throughout his practice, Setúbal invites us to question how our bodies are controlled and regulated and to consider how the tricky ties of power are exerted over us, individually and collectively, local and global. Te work offers a nuanced and thought-provoking perspective on these pressing issues, which is both insightful and challenging.

He presents his work in several countries and is currently developing projects with art galleries and institutions in the United Kingdom, Europe and Latin America.

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Solo exhibitions: Trono sem Rei, na C Galeria, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil [2022]; A grande peleja, na Galeria do Lago, Museu da República, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil [2022]; Bronze, Couro, Ouro, sangue, na Casa Triângulo, São Paulo, Brazil [2021]; Corpo Fechado, C Galeria, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil [2018]; Dano e Excesso, Galeria Andrea Rehder, São Paulo, Brazil [2016]; Aviso de Incêndio, Elefante Centro Cultural, Brasilia, Brazil [2015]. Group exhibitions:[2023] Marina Abramović Institute Takeover – Queen Elizabeth Hall, Southbank Centre, London, England [2022] Opositores, Central Galeria, São Paulo, Brazil [2022]; Deriva Continental - C Galeria - Rio de Janeiro, Brazil [2021]; Cuerpos atravesados – Reiners Contemporary Art – Marbella, Spain [2020]; 29ª Edição do Programa de Exposições do Centro Cultural São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil; 36º Panorama de Arte Brasileira, Museu de Arte Moderna, São Paulo, Brazil [2019]; Arte Democracia Utopia: Quem não luta tá morto!, Museu de Arte do Rio, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Demonstração por Absurdo, Instituto Tomie Othake, São Paulo, Brazil [2018]; As Bandeiras da Revolução, Fundação Joaquim Nabuco, Recife, Brazil; 13° Verbo, Galeria Vermelho, São Paulo, Brazil; Osso, Instituto Tomie Ohtake, São Paulo, Brazil [2017]; Dark Mofo, Museum of Old and New Art, Tasmania, Australia; Behind the sun, HOME, Manchester, UK; A Cor do Brasil, Museu de Arte do Rio, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil [2016]; Terra Comunal: Marina Abramovic + MAI, Sesc Pompéia, São Paulo, Brazil [2015]. Prizes/Residencies: 7º Prêmio de Residência SP-Arte, Delfina Foundation, London, UK [2019]; Prêmio Foco Bradesco ArtRio, Residência Despina, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Pivô Arte Pesquisa [2018]; 45° Salão de Arte Contemporânea Luiz Sacilotto, Prêmio Aquisição [2017]. Public collections: Museu de Arte do Rio, Museu de Arte de Brasília, Museu de Arte Contemporânea de Goiás e Casa do Olhar Luiz Sacilotto. He is a member of the performance collective Grupo EmpreZa.