Videobrasil: Film Program by Rafael França 

Göteborg International Biennial for Contemporary Art, GIBCA 2023 and Gothenburg City Library present a filmprogram with works by videoart pioneer Rafael França, in collaboration with Videobrasil. The film program is curated by Solange Farkas. 

The Brazilian artist Rafael França (1957-1991) began his experimentation with audiovisual storytelling after his move to the United States in 1982. His works are grounded in intense personal experiences and are characterized by formal simplicity and moderate use of technology. França revolves around themes such as social and romantic relationships, desire, and the inevitability of death. In 1985 França discovered he was HIV positive and died a victim of AIDS in 1991. His last video, Prelúdio de uma Morte Anunciada, was completed just a few days before his death. 

Videobrasil was founded in 1991 by Solange Farkas, as a result of the desire to institutionally host the growing collection of works and publications gathered since the first Festival Videobrasil, held in 1983. Ever since then, Farkas has been taking up the role of artistic director of the festival.  

Reencontro, 1984  (7 mins, 50 sec) 

Without fear of vertigo, 1987 (11 mins, 02 sec)  

O Profundo Silêncio das Coisas Mortas, 1988 (7 mins, 16 sec)  

Insônia, 1989 (8 mins, 26 sec)  

Prelude to an Announced Death, 1991 (4 mins, 58 sec) 

Gothenburg City Library is one of the venues of forms of the surrounding futures, Göteborg International Biennial for Contemporary Art, GIBCA 2023.