Joana Vasconcelos
For me, art is about making the ordinary extraordinary
«Everyday life is my main source of inspiration because I believe that the ultimate work of art is life itself»
From outdoor collections inspired by Lisbon’s sunsets to the stage design for Dior’s runway shows, Joana Vasconcelos is one of the most joyful, colorful, and optimistic artists on the international scene. But don’t let her friendly attitude fool you, as this extraordinary Portuguese-born creative shows an indomitable spirit. She is best known for her signature creations the “Valkyries,” these surreal and vibrant biomorphic sculptures made of fabric, stitching and embroidery, inspired by the powerful female figures of Norse mythology. These heroines embody the spirit, the strength, and the resilience inherent in every woman today.
Born in 1971 in Paris, Joana has built a multifaceted universe where diverse influences coexist: Louise Bourgeois and the magical realism of Fernando Pessoa, Marcel Duchamp and the Baroque. Her installations have been exhibited all over the globe, from Versailles to the Gothic chapel of Château de Vincennes, but also the Guggenheim in Bilbao as well as the latest edition of Brafa, the prestigious art fair held in Brussels. There, within the spaces of the Expo on the Heysel Plateau, the artist presented two of her “Valkyries.” Suspended about ten meters above the ground, these mega-sculptures are a blend of volumes, textures and colors, combining traditional craftsmanship with contemporary techniques. “This is my tribute to the legacy of Brafa, which celebrates its 70th anniversary this year, while also offering an immersive experience that bridges tradition and innovation,” Joana told us.
Let’s start with the seemingly simplest, but actually most complex question of all: what is art for you?
JOANA VASCONCELOS:
For me, art is about making the ordinary extraordinary, blending the tangible realities of life with the infinite possibilities of the imagination. It is this coexistence of the real and the surreal, the everyday and the fantastic, that gives my work the power to inspire and resonate deeply.
You draw your inspiration from everyday life, yet your works often look otherworldly. How do you make these two dimensions coexist?
JOANA VASCONCELOS:
Everyday life is truly my main source of inspiration because I believe that the ultimate work of art is life itself. For me, art is not confined to a specific object or a single moment in time; it is a dynamic and ever-evolving process, in which personal history, cultural heritage and artistic expression intertwine. Although my works seem to come from another world, they are deeply rooted in everyday life. The materials, objects and themes I use come from the world around us, but I transform and elevate them, giving them new meanings and perspectives. This play between everyday life and extraordinary things gives rise to a sense of alterity, although my work remains inherently rooted in shared experience.
Your work does not follow or refer to any artistic movement, past or present. As an independent female artist, how difficult was it to gain acceptance in the art world?
JOANA VASCONCELOS:
As an emerging artist with an independent vision, I have often had to navigate a difficult path in the art world. My work neither aligns with nor follows any specific artistic movement, past or present, which has sometimes left me on the sidelines of the art world’s traditional circles. This, combined with being a woman in a predominantly male field, made me run into rather unusual problems. Throughout my career, I have often been the first woman to reach certain milestones, such as displaying installations in Bilbao and Versailles or being the first female guest of honor at Brafa. While these milestones are significant, they always make me wonder why so many talented women before me did not get the same opportunities.
And what would your answer be?
JOANA VASCONCELOS:
The art world has historically privileged materials and approaches—often associated with male artists—that are considered more “noble,” perpetuating an imbalance in representation and recognition. Being independent-minded meant carving out my own path, pushing back existing norms, and creating spaces for voices like mine to be heard. The feminist fight is far from over, and I am deeply committed to using the platform I have built to address these issues, challenge existing structures, and contribute to a more inclusive and equitable art world. The journey was not without its challenges, but it has fueled my determination to create meaningful work that resonates with audiences and inspires dialogue.
Interview: Germano D’Acquisto
Photos: Michaël Huard
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