Joana Vasconcelos Infuses Liria Palace in Madrid with “Flamboyant”

From now through July 31, visitors of the Liria Palace are invited to immerse themselves in a visionary dialogue between the past and present. Built in the 18th century by architect Ventura Rodríguez, Liria Palace is one of Madrid’s most significant neoclassical landmarks. Home to works by masters such as Velázquez, Goya, and Tiziano, the palace has long been a beacon of artistic patronage. With the integration of artist Joana Vasconcelos’s 40-piece exhibition, “Flamboyant,” continues to honor this legacy. 

In contrast to her exhibitions at palaces such as Versailles, the Uffizi in Florence, and Ajuda in Lisbon, Liria Palace is uniquely inhabited by the Duke of Alba, serving as a residence for both “flamboyant” and his personal home. The exhibition exudes a coexistence between Vasconcelos and The Duke’s personalities, seamlessly blending the essence of both. “The Liria Palace is not a repository of history, but a living space that adjusts to contemporary contexts while preserving its essence,” said Vasconcelos, attentive to the dialogue between contemporary art and the palace’s history.

Vasconcelos is known for creating immersive environments, be it in exhibitions around the world or site-specific installations like a Christian Dior fashion show, in collaboration with designer Maria Grazia Chiuri, and J’Adore Miss Dior. The exhibition at Casa de Alba Foundation is supported by the patronage of the Hosue of Dior, continuing over a decade of exchange between the artist and fashion maison.

A Convergence of Eras at Liria Palace 

Vasconcelos begins this unparalleled experience by introducing visitors to Vigoroso e Poderoso (2006-2024), two lion-shaped guardians made from cement and covered in crochet creating an unexpected strength and delicacy that mirrors the dialogue between tradition and innovation. Standing watch over the palace, they protect the most intimate spaces, many of which, including the chapel, have never been open to the public.  As visitors enter this sacred space, they are met with flowing waves of fabric in deep red, fuschia, and purple, their serpentine forms weaving through the grande architecture of the 18th-century chapel. The striking contrast between the classical structure and Vasconcelos’ materials turns the space into a vivid intersection between past and present. 

Flaming Heart (2019-2022) floats beneath the chapel’s elevated dome, its embroidered fabric and cascading fringe recalling centuries-old textile techniques while its pulsing LED lights introduce a modern rhythm. Mimicking the beat of a human heart, fills the space with an almost living presence, amplifying the atmosphere and deepening the sense of reverence. This sentiment is displayed throughout the exhibit, “showing how contemporary art can revive historical spaces and foster a deeper appreciation of their relevance and vitality,” said Vasconcelos.

“Contemporary art can revive historical spaces and foster a deeper appreciation of their relevance and vitality,”

—Joana Vasconcelos

Joana Vasconcelos on an Intimate Scale

“Flamboyant” offers only a glimpse of the vast and versatile talent of Vasconcelos. Beyond this unforgettable tour experience within the Liria Palace, visitors have the chance to delve deeper into the artist’s unique craftsmanship. Selected from Atelier Joana Vasconcelos and on loan from Baró Galería, the gallery of the palace temporarily displays jewelry, drawings, models, and other small-scale works that revisit some of the artist’s signature materials, including crochet or ceramic tiles, as seen in  Gestalt (2017), BonBon (202) and Hypercube (2014). This selection also features a selection of her most renowned pieces, including Bolo de Noiva.

The exhibition as a whole offers a rare opportunity to experience the scope of Vasconcelos’s artistry, showcasing how contemporary art can transform and reinvigorate historical spaces while emphasizing the timeless relevance and vitality of her work.