Interview with Joana Vasconcelos: ‘my contemporary work converges with Velázquez and Goya in the palace of Liria’

The Casa de Alba Foundation celebrates its 50th anniversary, and the historic building becomes the setting for Joana Vasconcelos’ new exhibition, Flamboyant, an exhibition that connects contemporary art with the great classics.

We spoke to the Portuguese artist, Joana Vasconcelos, and she told us how she has taken the reins of this collaboration, in which her pieces coexist with the palace’s historic collection, in a game of contrasts where past and present intertwine.

An unprecedented tour of Liria

From 14 February to 31 July it will be possible to visit the exhibition spaces, which breathes with renewed energy. Vasconcelos has selected more than forty of his works, placing them strategically in different parts of the palace to generate a dialogue with the architecture, the history of the place and the great masters that come alive on its walls, such as Velázquez, Goya, Rubens or Tiziano.

What does it mean for you to exhibit Flamboyant at the Palacio de Liria?

Exhibiting Flamboyant is a great honour and a unique opportunity to engage in a dialogue between contemporary art and a historic environment rich in cultural heritage. The palace, which houses masterpieces, provides an inspiring backdrop that enhances the resonance of my work. Furthermore, this exhibition allows me to explore the interplay between past and present, creating a dynamic conversation that bridges centuries of artistic expression.

What relationship do you have with Spain apart from exhibiting your work at the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao?

In addition to my exhibition at the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, I have cultivated a deep connection to Spain through various collaborations and exhibitions. Spain’s rich artistic heritage and vibrant contemporary art scene have continuously inspired my creative process. Collaboration with Spanish cultural institutions and contact with local audiences has also enriched my practice, and allows for a meaningful exchange of ideas and artistic dialogues.

The exhibition not only brings a change in the atmosphere of the palace, but also opens up previously unseen corners such as the chapel, the music room and the gardens to the public for the first time. These spaces, which until now were only accessible to a select few, become central stages in the tour. Through them, the hidden art of this iconic Madrid enclave is revealed.

Art and fashion linked with Dior

Joana Vasconcelos’ impact on the art world has not gone unnoticed by the fashion world. In particular for Maison Dior, with which she has maintained a close collaboration for more than a decade. This connection is materialised in the exhibition with iconic pieces such as J’Adore Miss Dior (2013), a monumental ribbon built with bottles of the legendary perfume of the French Maison, and Valkyrie Thyra (2023), a dazzling textile installation.

When you designed the set for the Dior autumn-winter 2023-2024 fashion show, what was your greatest rewarding achievement and your biggest challenge?

Collaborating with Dior for the fashion show was both enriching and demanding. The most inspiring aspect was the seamless fusion of fashion and art, creating an immersive experience that made an impact on the audience. On the other hand, the main challenge was to ensure that the installation complemented the collection without overshadowing it, and to achieve a harmonious balance that celebrated both the garments and the artistic environment.

Considering the monumentality that characterizes your works, how did you translate your artistic vision to the Lady Dior bag, the Maison’s most iconic bag, with such a deep-rooted history and meaning?

Translating my artistic vision to the Lady Dior bag has been about distilling the essence of my great works in a more intimate format. By focusing on intricate details, textures and the interplay of materials, my objective was to give the bag a sense of monumentality and narrative depth. Furthermore, this collaboration allowed us to reinterpret the iconic accessory by fusing its historical legacy with contemporary art.

My objective was to give the bag a sense of monumentality and narrative depth, – says Joana.

Transforming the world through art

Many of your works have a strong social and feminist component. Do you think art has the ability to influence the way people think and act in relation to social issues and the environment?

Art has a transformative power that can challenge perceptions and inspire change. My work aims to provoke such reflection as well as encourage dialogue on pressing issues. In addition, it also serves as a catalyst for thought, to foster empathy and understanding, and to influence attitudes and actions towards social justice and environmental protection.

What do you think about the concept of “upcycling” and its role in contemporary art? How do you think art can contribute to raising awareness about the importance of giving objects a second chance?

Upcycling is closely related to my artistic practice. By transforming everyday objects into art, we challenge notions of value and functionality, as well as highlighting the potential for renewal and sustainability.

If you had the opportunity to create a large-scale artwork with a message focused on sustainability, what would it be?, who would you work with and what materials would you use?

Envisioning a large-scale artwork focused on sustainability, I would design an installation that transforms plastic waste from the ocean into a monumental sculpture. I would work in collaboration with environmental organisations and communities affected by pollution, and we would collect materials directly from the affected areas. This collective action would not only raise awareness of marine conservation, but also demonstrate the potential of art to inspire environmental responsibility and action.

I would work in collaboration with environmental organisations and communities affected by pollution, and we would collect materials directly from the affected areas. – confesses the artist.

What projects are you working on?

I am preparing a major exhibition in Ascona, Switzerland, for this summer. The project aims to relate the unique cultural landscape of Ascona, fostering a dialogue between my contemporary installations and the artistic heritage of the region. In addition, I am collaborating with Casa Dartis on an initiative that explores the intersection between art, community and environmental awareness.

The tour of Flamboyant begins at the reception by Vigoroso e Poderoso (2006-2024), two lions covered in crochet, and continues through the halls of the palace, passing through the chapel, observing the golden light of Flaming Heart (2019-2022), which creates a mystical atmosphere. Finally, the exhibition ends in the Contemporary Art Room, where jewellery, drawings and small-scale pieces are on display.

Intimate questions:

• Do you come from a family of artists?No, although I was lucky enough to grow up in an environment with a passion for the arts. My family always valued creativity and provided me with the encouragement I needed to explore my own path. My grandfather used to say that ‘it takes many generations in a family to produce an artist’. I also believe that artistic sensitivity is something that is cultivated over time.
• Is there an artist who has been your reference?I am inspired by a multitude of artists from different periods and disciplines. The works of Louise Bourgeois, for example, have influenced my understanding of form and the emotive potential of materials. Her exploration of themes such as identity and memory resonate deeply with my own artistic concerns.
• What inspires you when creating your works?Inspiration for my work comes from everyday life, cultural traditions as well as social dynamics. I am intrigued by the stories behind everyday objects and how they reflect collective experiences. This curiosity drives me to reinterpret familiar objects, giving them new meanings and inviting viewers to relate to them from new perspectives.
• A place you would always return to:Lisbon. It is my hometown and holds a special place in my heart. Its vibrant culture and history, as well as the dynamic artistic community continually inspire me. Returning to Lisbon gives me a sense of rootedness, nourishing my creative spirit and connecting me to my roots.