Le Château des Valkyries

Exhibitions at the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, the Palaces of Versailles, the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, and, last but not least, her spectacular contributions to the 2005 and 2013 Venice Biennales have made her a globally sought-after artist whose sensually theatrical works fascinate and enchant the public in equal measure. Joana Vasconcelos, born in Paris in 1971, combines art, fashion, and design in her work with unique persuasiveness and ease. This publication focuses on the series of works Valquírias (Valkyries), which the artist has been creating since 2004 and which are presented here for the first time in a comprehensive overview. Valkyries are self-confident, floating creatures made of fabrics, lace, embroidery, wool, sequins, pearls, feathers, and LEDs that stretch their tentacles out in all directions, taking over and occupying spaces with gentle power. Three of these Valkyries are currently on display in the exhibition of the same name at Gottorf Castle.