An exciting exhibition by Joana Vasconcelos in the Palacio da Ajuda
A giant crochet wasp in the Queen’s chambers? Kalediscopic flowers made out of irons growing on the patio? A chandelier made from tampons in the palace rooms? Well yes. All this and much more can be seen at Joana Vasconcelos exhibition in the Palacio da Ajuda in Lisbon.
The Portuguese artist is one of the stand out sculptors of the last decade. With a very personal style which is never without a daring and irreverent touch, Joana Vasconcelos combines everday items, textiels and crochet pieces to create striking and shoicking pieces.
The exhibition of Joana Vasconcelo’s art work in the Palacio da Ajuda in Lisbon, brings together 37 pieces, many of which have been created especially for the occassion. As is the case of the flowers “ Full Steam Ahead” and “War Games”, an antique car covered with plastic rifles and teddy bears. Other works which can be seeen at the exhibition are famous pieces which have already been shown in other cities, like “Marilyn” a pair of high heeled shoes made from stainless steel pots and pans.
Joana Vasconcelos pesented an exhibition in the Palacio da Versalles last year, making her the first woman to exhinbit her works in the famous French palace. The exhibition, full of irony and femininity was one of the most visited exhibitions in Paris in the last 50 years. The current exhibition in Lisbon is being met with the same success. During the first 11 days the exhibition received more than 20,000 visitors, among them various celebrities such as the actress Sharon Stone.
The exhibition by Joana Vasconcelos follows a similar line to the exhibition in Versailles which plays with the contrast ofthe classic surroundings and contemporary art. The difference is the exhibition is not censored as it was in the Versailles exhibition (La Novia wasn’t allowed to be displayed) and it has a more intimate feel with the private rooms of the Palacio da Ajuda included in the exhibition.
This is a magnificent opportunity to discover the works of this Joana Vasconcelos and visit the Neo-classical palace which was home to the last Portuguese Royalty. The exhibition by Joana Vasconcelos in Lisbon can be visited until the 25th of August 2013. Don’t miss this opportunity.
Useful Information- Joana Vasconcelos exhibition Palacio da Ajuda
- Where: Palacio Nacional de Ajuda. Largo da Ajuda 1349-021. Lisbon.
- When: 23rd March-25th August
- Opening Hours: Fridays and Sundays 10am-7pm, Saturdays 10am-9pm
- Admission: Adult 10€, Students, Pensioners and Under 18 5€, Children under 6 Free
More information about the exhibition is available from the official web.
