In SP, a floating pavilion on the Pinheiros River reconnects art and projects

In April 2025, São Paulo will gain a new cultural landmark: the Island of Arts (IOA), a floating pavilion that will be installed on the Pinheiros River. Created by artist Igi Lọ́lá Ayedun in partnership with the studio METRO Architects, the project premieres during SP-Arte 2025, the city's art week, and promises to transform the relationship between art, architecture, and projects, supporting the city's ongoing efforts to revitalize the river.

Differently from a static gallery, the Island of Arts will be an interactive monument, connecting the public to the projects that compose the surroundings. Its design will integrate sustainability, technology, and spirituality, serving as a space for experimentation and reflection.

The space, designed as an interactive gallery, will feature works by ten to fifteen artists linked to the HOA Cultural Society, an organization founded by Igi Lọ́lá Ayedun to support Brazilian artists, especially women and historically marginalized communities.

The Island of Arts is part of OPEN WATERS, an initiative that seeks to reimagine the Pinheiros River through artistic and architectural interventions, accompanying the process of cleaning the waterway.

The curation of the pavilion will be handled by Gabriela de Mattos and Paula Alzugaray, both renowned figures in the artistic scene, ensuring that the pavilion becomes a significant cultural landmark for the city.