Joana Vasconcelos on Beauty, Politics, and Monumental Installations
The Citadelle de Villefranche-sur-Mer currently showcases Portuguese artist Joana Vasconcelos alongside Arne Quinze in the exhibition "L'Absurde et le Rêve," running until October 31. Operating from a Lisbon studio with a team of sixty, she reflects on her impressive body of work: in 2025, she participated in nine solo exhibitions, thirteen group shows, and twelve fairs across twelve nations. Her art is also displayed at the Picasso Museum in Malaga and will feature at IVAM this fall, with a project planned for Miami during Art Basel Miami Beach in December. Vasconcelos draws inspiration from Jean Cocteau, examining the interplay of violence and beauty, while critiquing AI for its absence of vital human elements in art.
Key facts
- Joana Vasconcelos is featured at Citadelle de Villefranche-sur-Mer with Arne Quinze in 'L'Absurde et le Rêve' until October 31.
- In 2025, she had 9 solo exhibitions, 13 group exhibitions, and 12 fairs in 12 countries.
- Her work is also at Picasso Museum Malaga, IVAM Valencia, and will be in Miami during Art Basel Miami Beach in December.
- She believes art is always political and explores tension between violence and beauty.
- Her Lisbon studio employs about 60 full-time workers.
- Her 2012 Château de Versailles exhibition was a turning point.
- She notes an increase in commissions for outdoor sculptures from public institutions and municipalities.
- She criticizes AI for lacking human experience, emotion, intuition, and imperfection.
- Jean Cocteau's legacy influenced her installation at Villefranche-sur-Mer.
Entities
Artists
- Joana Vasconcelos
- Arne Quinze
- Jean Cocteau
Institutions
- Citadelle de Villefranche-sur-Mer
- Picasso Museum Malaga
- IVAM (Institut d'Art Moderne de Valence)
- Château de Versailles
- Connaissance des Arts
Locations
- Villefranche-sur-Mer
- France
- Lisbon
- Portugal
- Malaga
- Spain
- Valencia
- Miami
- United States