Imran Mir Selected for the 36th São Paulo Biennale
A Legacy of Innovation Continues on the Global Stage
We are honored to announce that the work of Imran Mir (1950-2014) has been selected for the prestigious 36th São Paulo Biennale, taking place from September 6, 2025 to January 11, 2026 at the iconic Ciccillo Matarazzo Pavilion in São Paulo, Brazil.
"Not All Travellers Walk Roads – Of Humanity as Practice"
Mir's inclusion in this internationally renowned exhibition, titled "Nem todo viandante anda estradas – Da humanidade como prática" (Not All Travellers Walk Roads – Of Humanity as Practice), represents a significant recognition of his pioneering contribution to contemporary art. The biennale, curated by Bonaventure Soh Bejeng Ndikung alongside an international team, explores humanity as a living practice of constant displacement, encounter, and negotiation.
The exhibition's title, drawn from a poem by Afro-Brazilian poet Conceição Evaristo, resonates deeply with Mir's own artistic philosophy. As he once wrote, "The absence of these rules is what I wish to share with others, so they will not hesitate to reach within themselves and find their real selves."
Representing the "Seventh Paper on Modern Art" (1987)
Mir's work featured in the biennale comes from his acclaimed "Seventh Paper on Modern Art" series, created in 1987. This body of work exemplifies his masterful exploration of geometric abstraction, bold color relationships, and spatial dynamics that challenged conventional boundaries of Pakistani contemporary art.
The selected piece showcases Mir's distinctive visual vocabulary: vibrant yellow triangular forms with linear striations set against contrasting backgrounds of deep purples and earth tones, framed by his signature colorful borders. These elements create what art critics have described as "metaphysical statements" and "spatial cosmic paintings with vast emptiness."
A Global Platform for Pakistani Modernism
The São Paulo Biennale, founded in 1951 and recognized as the second-oldest art biennale in the world after Venice, provides an exceptional platform for Mir's work to reach new international audiences. This inclusion continues the growing global recognition of his revolutionary approach to minimalism and modernism, which initially puzzled critics in Pakistan but has since been celebrated for its bold experimentation with color and form.
Mir's participation alongside 120 international artists reflects the biennale's commitment to showcasing diverse voices and situated knowledges from across the globe. The curatorial team's focus on "active listening to humanity" aligns beautifully with Mir's own practice of creating art that invites contemplation and inner discovery.
An Artistic Legacy That Transcends Boundaries
Throughout his career, Mir treated each body of work as seriously as a theoretical paper, hence his naming convention of "Papers" on modern art. From his first exhibition in Karachi to his posthumous recognition on international stages, his work continues to challenge viewers to look beyond conventional representations and find profound meaning in geometric abstraction.
The extended four-month duration of this biennale edition, with free admission throughout, ensures that Mir's work will reach the widest possible audience, continuing his mission to share the transformative power of authentic artistic expression.
Visit the Exhibition
36th São Paulo Biennale
Not All Travellers Walk Roads – Of Humanity as Practice
September 6, 2025 – January 11, 2026
Ciccillo Matarazzo Pavilion, Ibirapuera Park, São Paulo, Brazil
Free Admission
For more information: 36.bienal.org.br
Imran Mir's artistic legacy continues to inspire and challenge audiences worldwide. His work remains available for viewing through the Imran Mir Foundation and in collections around the globe. For inquiries about his work, please contact us through this website.