Joana Vasconcelos Invades Madrid's Palacio de Liria with Monumental Installations

The Portuguese artist Joana Vasconcelos (born 1971, Lisbon) has transformed the Palacio de Liria in Madrid into a stage for her flamboyant, oversized works, in an exhibition titled 'Flamboyant. Joana Vasconcelos en el Palacio de Liria,' running until July 31, 2025. Organized by the artist's Atelier with support from Maison Dior, the show features around 40 pieces, many from her personal collection, including iconic lace-covered objects like 'Piano Dentelle #3' (2016) and animal sculptures such as 'Mathilda' (2005), a series of dogs from the Helga de Alvear Foundation. New works created for the venue include 'LOBO,' a pair of wolves inspired by Goya and Velázquez, and the giant wrought-iron teapot 'La Théière' (2025), which will be covered in climbing flowers in spring. The installation 'Solitario' (2018), an oversized ring made of gold car rims topped with a whisky bottle diamond, greets visitors at the entrance. Smaller works like jewelry, ceramics, and drawings are displayed in the temporary exhibition area. The palace, home to the Dukes of Alba and their collection of masterpieces by Titian, El Greco, Rubens, Velázquez, and Lavinia Fontana, opened to the public in 2019. The exhibition also grants access to the private chapel and music room, previously closed. Vasconcelos describes the palace as 'a living space that adapts to contemporary contexts without losing its essence.'