The Portuguese contemporary artist’s eclectic pieces are on show at the Liria Palace, the private residence of the Dukes of Alba, until July 31.
Portuguese contemporary artist Joana Vasconcelos inaugurated her latest European exhibition this week in Madrid. Set in the private residence of the 19th Duke of Alba, this new show brings eclectic pieces into the 18th-century Liria Palace, home to one of the world’s grandest private collections.
Some of her most iconic pieces, including Marilyn – a giant pair of stiletto-heeled slippers made from stainless steel cooking pots – share exquisite rooms with paintings by Velázquez, Goya, Rubens, Tiziano and Murillo, while her extra-large wrought iron teapot – an homage to Catarina de Bragança – and a humongous diamond ring made of 110 car rims and 1450 inverted crystal whiskey glasses, sit in the palace’s distinguished garden and courtyard.
Vasconcelos explained she took great care in curating this exhibition, which, unlike her previous shows at museums such as the Palace of Versailles and the Uffizi, is displayed in a private residence.
Rather than imposing contemporary art that many might not understand, she presented works with which people and the space can connect. In an interview with The Times, she explained, “Many people have been telling me, ‘Oh, it feels like it belongs here,’ and that’s what I really want, for you to feel that you are looking at a contemporary show, but an extravagance, a flamboyance which is a characteristic of this family”.
Vasconcelos explained that the exhibition’s name – Flamboyant – is a homage to the current duke’s late mother, Cayetana, the 18th Duchess of Alba, known for her eccentricities, adding, “She was a wonderful personality. She’s the flamboyant one, not me!”
Flamboyant is on show at the Liria Palace in Madrid until July 31.
Tickets cost €23.
