Home / Arts and Entertainment / Joana Vasconcelos: From Tampons to Valentino
Joana Vasconcelos: From Tampons to Valentino
12 Oct
Summary
- Vasconcelos uses domestic craft for monumental sculptures.
- Her art celebrates 'joie de vivre' over suffering.
- A Lisbon exhibition pairs her work with Valentino dresses.
Portuguese artist Joana Vasconcelos is celebrated for her monumental sculptures, often incorporating domestic crafts. She transforms everyday items into large-scale installations, such as a six-meter chandelier made of 14,000 tampons or a 12-meter ceramic wedding cake.
Vasconcelos's art intentionally contrasts with themes of suffering often found in contemporary female art, championing 'joie de vivre' instead. Her approach involves using needlework and domestic details to create impactful, visually arresting pieces.
A current exhibition in Lisbon at MAAT, titled 'Venus,' showcases Vasconcelos's work in dialogue with Valentino's haute couture. This pairing places her monumental art, including pieces like 'Marilyn' and 'Venus Valkyrie,' alongside Valentino's signature size-zero dresses.
This collaboration highlights Vasconcelos's unique artistic philosophy, which elevates traditional female labor and craftsmanship to a monumental status. Her expansive studio, staffed by 60 artisans, underscores the significant human effort behind her creations.
