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Why you absolutely can't miss Joana Vasconcelos' 'Flamboyant' exhibition

Flamboyant at Liria Palace: When baroque meets dazzled

Madrid just got a fabulous boost of sparkle, and it’s not from the royal jewels. Joana Vasconcelos has landed at Liria Palace, and she’s brought 40+ art pieces that are larger-than-life, dazzlingly extra, and unapologetically flamboyant. And guess what? You’re invited.

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What to know about Joana Vasconcelos before visiting Flamboyant? 

Born in Paris and raised in Portugal, Joana is a global art rockstar. She transforms everyday objects, from kitchen pots to tampons (yes, really) into massive sculptures that are as provocative as they are playful. Her breakout moment? A 20-foot chandelier made of tampons that wowed the Venice Biennale in 2005. Iconic! Her art is all about femininity, tradition, craft… and turning the ordinary into the extraordinary.

She’s since shown her work in places like:

  • The Palace of Versailles 
  • The Guggenheim in Bilbao
  • The Uffizi Gallery in Florence

What to expect from Flamboyant: Joana Vasconcelos at the Liria Palace

Liria Palace interior with ornate furnishings and artwork, Madrid.

You might think a centuries-old palace owned by the House of Alba wouldn’t vibe with contemporary art. But oh, my, you'd be wrong. Here's why this pairing works:

  • Both love drama: Liria’s halls are packed with Goyas, tapestries, and enough gold leaf to blind you. Joana’s art brings the modern equivalent of opulence.
  • Tradition meets rebellion: The palace speaks of legacy; Joana challenges it. It’s like an art history remix.
  • First-time spaces: Parts of the palace, like the chapel, music room, and lush gardens, are being opened just for this exhibition. That’s a royal backstage pass.
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Opening hours of Flamboyant: Joana Vasconcelos

  • Dates: February 14 to July 31, 2025
  • Timings: 10am to 3pm on Monday and 10am to 8pm from Tuesday to Sunday
  • Last entry: 6:30pm

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Highlights of Flamboyant: Joana Vasconcelos

Marilyn

These aren’t your average pumps. “Marilyn” is a pair of towering stilettos made entirely from stainless steel pots and pans. It's a brilliant collision of femininity, domesticity, and pop culture—and a cheeky nod to women’s traditional roles, served on a silver platter.

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Solitário

Imagine proposing with this: a giant solitaire ring sculpture crafted from car wheel rims and glass whisky tumblers. Yes, you read that right. Planted dramatically in the Liria gardens, “Solitário” turns bling into brainy art, and you can’t miss it, as it literally glints in the sun.

Extravaganza

Think statement necklaces... supersized. This piece and others in her jewelry-inspired series transform traditional forms of adornment into wearable art meets modern sculpture hybrids. Materials range from vintage fabrics to LED lights, bringing the bling to life in ways Liz Taylor could only dream of.

Drawings, sketches & miniature models

Before the sparkle, there’s structure. Tucked throughout the exhibition are Vasconcelos’ original sketches, intricate models, and blueprints of her mega installations, offering a behind-the-scenes look at how an idea becomes a sculpture the size of a delivery truck.

The palace itself

Okay, it’s not technically part of the art, but don’t skip the palace rooms that were opened just for this show. You’ll see Vasconcelos’ works nestled between 18th-century chandeliers, Goya paintings, and royal antiques, turning each space into a surreal visual remix.

Frequently asked questions about Flamboyant: Joana Vasconcelos

The exhibition is held at the Liria Palace (Palacio de Liria), located at Calle de la Princesa, 20, 28008 Madrid, Spain.

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