In stark contrast to this year's much-criticized São Paulo Biennial, the concurrently running, off-circuit Paralela '08 "From Near and Far" is a heady alternative for those looking for a more rigorous program than what's being offered inside the Oscar Neimeyer building.
With work on display from 61 Brazilian artists from the best galleries in São Paulo—such as 
Paralela, hosted in the breathtaking space of the Liceu de Artes e Oficios, has been running in line with the São Paulo Biennial since 2002 and is turning out to be a formidable competitor. You can watch a short episode from the Metropolis television show of a little bit of what's on display here.
Paralela '08
Through 7 December 2008
Liceu de Artes e Oficios
Rua Joao Teodoro, 565
São Paulo, Brazil map
tel. +55 (11) 2579-3241
