BRAFA Art Fair 70th edition (from 26 January to 2 February ’25) is delighted to announce the internationally acclaimed Portuguese artist Joana Vasconcelos as Guest of Honour. Known for her monumental sculptures and immersive installations, Vasconcelos explores themes related to the status of women, consumer society, and collective identity. Her vibrant artwork will promise to add a festive and colourful touch to this milestone edition of BRAFA.
Joana Vasconcelos, Marlyn (PA) 2011 © Lionel Balteiro | LaMousse – Courtesy Atelier Joana Vasconcelos
Joana Vasconcelos is a Portuguese visual artist born in 1971. Throughout her 30-year career, she has made use of a wide variety of media. Although she prefers textiles, Joana Vasconcelos works with cement, metal, ceramics, glass, and found objects. Her ambition is to decontextualize everyday objects and revisit the concept of craft in the twenty-first century. Her international reputation was consolidated in 2005 at the first Venice Biennale curated by women, where she presented her artwork The Bride, a classically shaped chandelier whose crystal pendants had been replaced by approximately 14,000 tampons.
She was the youngest artist and the first woman to exhibit at the Château de Versailles in 2012. In 2018, she became the first Portuguese artist to have a solo show at the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao. In 2023, she was honoured to exhibit at the Uffizi Galleries and the Palazzo Pitti in Florence alongside great masters such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo and Caravaggio.
Galerie Nathalie Obadia, Joana Vasconcelos, Retro 2013
Joana Vasconcelos will be exhibiting Valkyries, sculptures inspired by the female figures from Norse mythology who flew over the battlefields, bringing the bravest warriors back to life to join the deities in Valhalla. Made from textiles, they give full expression to the artist’s creativity, involving a variety of fabrics, crochet elements, embroidery and a feast of ornaments such as sequins, braids, tassels and hundreds of LED lights, which simulate an effect of vibration and combine traditional craftsmanship with technological methods. Collectors Gallery (Brussels), specializing in artists’ and designers’ jewellery and objects from the 20th and 21st centuries, celebrates the intersection of fine art and high craftsmanship.
Joana Vasconcelos © Lionel Balteiro for Atelier Joana Vasconcelos
Let’s go to interview and discover more about the magical art world of Joana Vasconcelos.
Why did you accept the invitation to be guest of honour at BRAFA 2025?
I am honoured to be the guest of honour at the next BRAFA, particularly in recognition of the fair’s 70th anniversary. This remarkable milestone underscores its historical significance and enduring impact on the world of global art. The longevity of BRAFA is a testament to its role as a beacon for art connoisseurs and collectors, fostering an environment where the past, present, and future of art intersect. To be part of this momentous celebration is a privilege and an opportunity to engage with an institution that has become synonymous with cultural preservation and artistic innovation.
Joana Vasconcelos, Valkyrie Seondeok © ArtisTree, Taikoo Place, Swire Properties 2024
What do you like about the Fair?
The fair has consistently distinguished itself through its rigorous selection of exhibitors and artworks, curated with thoughtfulness and precision, that places it among the most respected art fairs globally. The dedication and expertise of the BRAFA team are reflected in the calibre of both the galleries and the participating artists. I am honoured and inspired to contribute to such a long-standing and esteemed institution.
Joana Vasconcelos, a todo o vapor (vermelho) [full steam ahead (red)]#1/3 2012 / a todo o vapor (verde) [full steam ahead (green)]#1/3 2013 / a todo o vapor (amarelo) [full steam ahead (yellow)]#1/3 2014
BRAFA will be celebrating its 70th anniversary. What do you have in mind for this special edition?
For this historical edition, I am proposing installing a body of work I have been developing since last year in collaboration with Dior. This series will feature two monumental sculptures, the placement of which I believe will serve as an aesthetic and conceptual focal point at the fair. These works are intended to celebrate the fair’s rich heritage and engage in a dialogue with the contemporary moment, creating an atmosphere that resonates with the depth and vision that BRAFA embodies. Through this installation, I hope to contribute to creating a distinctive and memorable experience befitting the significance of BRAFA’s 70th anniversary.
Galerie La Patinoire Royale Bach, Joana Vasconcelos, Blue Moon 2019
Celebre Magazine World extends its heartfelt gratitude to the great Artist Joana Vasconcelos for this exclusive interview. We warmly invite everyone to admire her extraordinary artworks by visiting the BRAFA Art Fair.
Discover even more about Joana Vasconcelos @ joanavasconcelos.com/en
Article edited by Massimo Basile
Editor & Founder