You already know that São Paulo has a breathtaking art scene. Now, imagine being able to check out a new exhibition in the ruins of the Ramos building, right in the heart of the Historic Center? “Apocalypse, ” by artist Alex Flemming, is coming to the well-known Palacetes da Sé with free admission.
The exhibition, which opened yesterday, August 9, is housed in the building on Roberto Simonsen Street, built in 1919 and designed by architect Ramos de Azevedo.
The site, which once housed a polyclinic and the São Paulo Society of Medicine and Surgery, has now become a major artistic hub after approximately 85 years without regular use. In addition to the imposing mansion, the complex also includes a charming annex dating from 1910, designed by Giuseppe Sacchetti.
Bearing the marks of time, the building still preserves unique features, such as exposed brick, walls with peeling paint, water stains, and, above all, century-old floors and stained-glass windows. Even the old elevator car has been preserved!
For Alex Flemming, who is in charge of the new exhibition’s installation, the building’s current condition contributes to the concept of “Apocalypse.”
According to the artist, the sense of abandonment creates a kind of connection with the theme being explored. After all, the local ruins blend with the idea that abandonment can also be considered an “end of the world.”
Thus, the choice of venue references other exhibitions Flemming visited in Berlin, which were installed in bombed-out buildings and bunkers.
“Apocalypse,” the new exhibition in the ruins of the Ramos building
The exhibition features some 37 large paintings to provide an immersive experience, with the building itself serving as a key element of the artwork. As a result, the exhibition is more of an environmental installation, inviting visitors to explore the rooms and the artworks.
In addition, the exhibition tells a story: it begins with the series “Invisible Portraits, ” which depicts transparent, colorful human figures, and culminates in the striking “Apocalypse, ” which portrays scenes of destruction.
Overall, the exhibition weaves a powerful narrative that contrasts themes such as life, desire, and death.
Flemming was inspired after following news reports of the attacks at the Bataclan in Paris. Since then, he has been painting famous landmarks such as Tower Bridge, Notre-Dame, and the Blue Mosque in scenes of destruction and collapse.
The series began to take shape in 2015, with the aim of prompting reflection on the fragility of our civilization, intolerance, and the loss of a sense of collective coexistence.
The concept engages with the gods Eros and Thanatos, bringing sensuality, life, desire, decline, and transformation to the paintings, which follow the Renaissance and pre-Renaissance traditions.
Come visit the exhibition!
Alex Flemming’s “Apocalypse” exhibition is one of the best free exhibitions in São Paulo. It is open daily from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and runs through August 30.
It’s a short run, so make sure to plan ahead so you don’t miss it!
Visitors can explore the exhibition by daylight, as the historic building lacks electric lighting in some areas. In fact, natural light is an integral part of the exhibition, altering the perception of the metallic paintings as they are illuminated throughout the day.
