"Between Worlds
By Cristiana Tejo

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This house, which occupies virtually the entire major room on the ground floor of the MAC, does not present itself simply as an object of contemplation, but rather as Márcio Almeida’s trophy. Particularly interested in issues of geopolitics and the occupation of urban space, the artist outlined a project with a high ethical and affective weight: to propose to a resident of precarious housing the exchange of their home, including all personal objects, for another dwelling in better conditions and of greater value, chosen by Márcio in a community that, initially, had no affective ties to the chosen family. Contrary to what one might think, the artist received many rejections before being able to fully realize his project. Naturally, there was a suspicion regarding his intentions and the real purpose of such a transaction, just as many people did not wish to abandon their surroundings and their affective bonds. During the process, the artist therefore established a delicate negotiation of spheres, attempting to use art codes and principles to interfere in the real world. When the pact between both parties was finally sealed, the house and objects were inscribed into the art world and their values began to be priced as artworks, worth several times more than before. This shift in value and the movement between fields touch upon the essence of capitalism, but also highlight the porosity of the art sphere inherited from the 20th century."