Adriano Pedrosa Reimagines Art Curation at MASP

Adriano Pedrosa, the artistic director of Museu de Arte de São Paulo (MASP) in Brazil, is redefining the role of a curator. Pedrosa has elevated art previously categorized as “outsider” to an equal standing with works by academically trained artists. He also departs from traditional chronological exhibitions, opting instead for thematic surveys that explore broad concepts such as “childhood” or “sexuality.”

In 2025, MASP unveiled a new $43 million tower, significantly expanding its exhibition space by 66% after more than six years of planning and construction. This year, Pedrosa focused MASP’s curatorial program on examining how the concept of Latin America has been historically constructed and contested. He has also actively defended some MASP exhibitions, including a recent show by the queer artist La Chola Poblete, against criticism from right-wing groups. In an era where political factions often promote singular historical narratives, Pedrosa's exhibitions promote the idea that there is no single, definitive way to interpret art.