Dior Toasts Joana Vasconcelos Exhibition in Madrid
MATERIAL WORLD: Dior, which conscripted Joana Vasconcelos to create a monumental textile sculpture for its fall 2023 show, is toasting the Portugese artist in Madrid.
The fashion house is hosting a cocktail to celebrate the fact that Vasconcelos will exhibit works, including that “Valkyries” sculpture — named after the female warrior deities of Norse mythology — at the Palacio de Liria, home of the Duke of Alba.
More from WWD
Saint Laurent, Donald Judd Foundation Collaborate on Paris Store
EXCLUSIVE: French Fashion Brand Iro Names First Artistic Director
London's Sloane Street Has a Sparkling New Look Following a 46 Million Pound Investment
More than 40 of her works are to be installed in the interiors and gardens amid works by such artists as Velázquez, Goya, Rubens, Titian and Murillo.
The showcase is opening Friday in the run-up to Madrid’s International Contemporary Art Fair, or ARCO, scheduled for March 5 to 9 in the Spanish capital.
It also marks the 50th anniversary of The House of Alba Foundation, co-organizer of the exhibition, and the kickoff of a new contemporary art program.
Dior’s patronage of Vasconcelos stretches back to 2013, when she was one of 15 female artists commissioned to create works for a Miss Dior fragrance exhibition at the Grand Palais in Paris.
The monumental bow she created for that display is included in the Madrid exhibition. In addition, Dior displayed Vasconcelos’ artworks at its boutique in Lisbon last year.
Considered one of the most important neoclassical palaces in Madrid, the Palacio de Liria dates from the 18th century and opened its doors to the public in 2019.
“It’s not the first time I’ve done a palace, but it’s the first time I’ve done an inhabited palace,” Vasconcelos told WWD, alluding to previous shows at Versailles in France, the Uffizi in Florence and Ajuda National Palace in Lisbon.
“Here we enter a private and particular space, opening the space to the public. This exhibition is also a dialogue with the family, between the contemporary artist and the family,” she said. “This has never happened in my previous projects, which has made it more dynamic, more intimate, and more generous.”
The showcase runs until July 31.
Best of WWD
Sign up for WWD's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
