Joana Vasconcelos’ exhibition at Serralves Museum of Contemporary Art

‘I’m Your Mirror’ brings together some of Joana Vasconcelos’ most iconic artworks, with 30 pieces from 1997 to the present day – including 14 new works.

An exhibition by Portuguese artist Joana Vasconcelos, is currently showing at Porto’s Serralves Museum of Contemporary Art until 24 June 2019.

We really loved the exhibition and highly recommend it: the art show is playful and full of humour, and it’s great to have both an indoor and outdoor experience. The exhibition takes over the beautiful gardens of Serralves Park with the display of monumental sculptures.

We recommend getting to the museum early to avoid the crowds. We got there at 11am on a Tuesday and by the time we left around 1pm it was already getting pretty busy.

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Joana Vasconcelos' most famous works at Serralves Museum: 'The Bride' (2001-2005), a chandelier like sculpture which is made of OB Tampons.

Detail of Joana Vasconcelos' most famous works: 'The Bride' (2001-2005), a chandelier like sculpture which is made of OB Tampons.

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As you enter the museum you are greeted with one of Joana Vasconcelos' most famous works: 'The Bride' (2001-2005), a chandelier like sculpture which is made of OB Tampons.

'Meeting Point' from Joana Vasconcelos’ exhibition at Serralves Museum of Contemporary Art

Jo at 'Meeting Point' from Joana Vasconcelos’ exhibition at Serralves Museum of Contemporary Art

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'Meeting Point' - A carousel you can actually ride, made from colourful chairs. Fun!

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The nature of Joana Vasconcelos’ creative process is “based on the appropriation, decontextualisation and subversion of pre-existent objects and everyday realities. Sculptures and installations, which are revealing of an acute sense of scale and mastery of colour, as well as the recourse to performances and video or photographic records, all combine in the materialization of concepts which challenge the pre-arranged routines of the quotidian.”

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'Call Center' - analogue phones with sound installation from Joana Vasconcelos’ exhibition at Serralves Museum of Contemporary Art.

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'Call Center' - analogue phones with sound installation.

We went to Joana Vasconcelos’ exhibition at Serralves Museum of Contemporary Art

Bell 47 helicopter, ostrich feathers, Swarovski crystals, gold leaf, industrial paint, dyed leather upholstery embossed with fine gold, Arraiolos rugs, walnut wood, woodgrain painting, passementerie.

Joana Vasconcelo Bull Piece, Rafael Bordalo Pinheiro carefully wrapped in extraordinary crochet lace from Portugal's Azores islands.

Joana Vasconcelo Fly Artwork, Rafael Bordalo Pinheiro carefully wrapped in extraordinary crochet lace from Portugal's Azores islands. — Some of Joana Vasconcelos' small scale works include ceramic animals from 19th Century artisan Rafael Bordalo Pinheiro each carefully wrapped in extraordinary crochet lace from Portugal's Azores islands.

Sofia shooting the mirror at Joana Vasconcelos’ exhibition at Serralves Museum of Contemporary Art.

Details from Joana Vasconcelos’ exhibition at Serralves Museum of Contemporary Art.

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Jo and Mum :-) The Venetian mask weighs 2.5 tons and is made of 231 double mirrors.

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'Valium Bed' from Joana Vasconcelos’ exhibition at Serralves Museum of Contemporary Art.

'Aspirin Chair' from Joana Vasconcelos’ exhibition at Serralves Museum of Contemporary Art.

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'Valium Bed' and 'Aspirin Chair'.

Detail with flowers in a fountain at Serralves gardens.

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It was a grey day when we visited, but Serralves looked as magical as always.

Outside the museum stands a huge swimming pool which takes the shape of Portugal.

Modern art is not always understood by everyone, but it’s hard for anyone not to enjoy Joana Vasconcelos’ work and its humour.

After the show we went for lunch at Cufra, which is less than a ten-minute walk from the museum. A great choice if you want to try Porto’s famous Francesinhas. If you have a sweet tooth you must try their indulgent “chocolate cake”.

And that's it amigos! If you're visiting Porto we highly recommend a visit to Museu de Serralves and its gardens.

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Here's hoping you create new memories here in Portugal. Tag us on Instagram (we would love it if you do!) and let us know how it goes. 🤗

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Obrigada,
Joana and Sofia
- JO&SO

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