VENUS – Valentino Garavani through the eyes of Joana Vasconcelos
VENUS – Valentino Garavani pelo olhar de Joana Vasconcelos
02 OUT 2026 - 22 FEV 2027
MAAT Gallery
To celebrate its 10th anniversary, MAAT presents VENUS – Valentino Garavani Through the Eyes of Joana Vasconcelos, an exhibition conceived as a dialogue between art and haute couture, inspired by the universe of fashion designer Valentino Garavani (1932–2026).
The exhibition comes to Lisbon from an original concept developed by PM23 | Fondazione Valentino Garavani e Giancarlo Giammetti, in partnership with Valentino S.p.A. Following its debut at PM23 – the cultural space in Rome created by Valentino Garavani and Giancarlo Giammetti – in January 2026, where it was on view until 19 July 2026, it has been reimagined for MAAT through an adaptation to the museum's gallery spaces. Responding to MAAT's distinctive architecture, the Lisbon presentation extends the original concept into a new context, marking a new chapter in the project's evolution.
Joana Vasconcelos – winner of the first edition of the Fundação EDP New Artists Award in 2000 – is renowned for her monumental installations and theatrical visual language. For MAAT, she creates a bespoke site-specific route through the museum space that weaves together iconic works and new creations inspired by the Italian couturier’s universe.
Throughout Galleries 1 and 2 of MAAT Gallery, works will be in harmonious dialogue with 30 haute couture and prêt-à-porter creations by Valentino Garavani. Produced in 2025, Valkyrie Venus stands at the heart of the exhibition from which it takes its name: an imposing textile sculpture conceived by the artist as a profound reflection on Valentino’s legacy.
Among the new works is one of the series Crochet Paintings, that transforms textiles into a pictorial surface, inspired by a Josef Hoffmann motif featured in the Valentino Garavani Haute Couture Autumn/Winter 1989–90 collection; and Sacro Cuore, a suspended textile sculpture.
The exhibition also includes some of Joana Vasconcelos’s most celebrated works, including Marilyn, the monumental high-heeled shoes made from pots and pan lids; Garden of Eden, an immersive installation inviting visitors to walk through a labyrinth of artificial flowers; and Independent Heart #3, a sculpture made from plastic cutlery that recreates the traditional Heart of Viana.
Presented as part of MAAT’s 10th anniversary programme, this exhibition marks Joana Vasconcelos’ return to the museum and celebrates her longstanding relationship with MAAT and the EDP Foundation. Bringing her artistic practice into dialogue with Valentino, VENUS highlights their shared celebration and commitment to bespoke craftsmanship.
ABOUT JOANA VASCONCELOS
Joana Vasconcelos (1971) is a Portuguese visual artist whose practice spans over three decades. Recognised for her monumental sculptures, she transforms everyday objects, reactivating arts and crafts traditions within a contemporary framework. Her work establishes a critical dialogue between private and public, addressing questions of gender, consumer society and collective identity with an underlying sense of humour.
Vasconcelos gained international recognition in 2005 with The Bride at the first women-curated Venice Biennale, returning three times since. She was the first woman and youngest artist to present a solo exhibition at the Palace of Versailles — her 2012 show became the most visited in France in over 50 years. In 2018 she became the first Portuguese artist to hold a solo exhibition at Guggenheim Bilbao, the third most visited in the museum's history. Further landmark exhibitions followed at the Uffizi Galleries and Pitti Palace in Florence (2023), and at the Palácio de Liria in Madrid (2025).
Vasconcelos was appointed Commander of the Order of Infante D. Henrique and Officer of the Order of Arts and Letters by the French Ministry of Culture. In 2012 she created Fundação Joana Vasconcelos, supporting social initiatives and scholarships.
ABOUT THE FONDAZIONE VALENTINO GARAVANI AND GIANCARLO GIAMMETTI
Founded in 2016, Fondazione Valentino Garavani e Giancarlo Giammetti is established to preserve and promote the artistic, cultural, and entrepreneurial legacy of its founders, while actively contributing to society through cultural, educational, and philanthropic initiatives.
Starting from Valentino Garavani’s legacy, the Fondazione seeks to foster dialogue between artistic excellence, creativity, and innovation, through exhibitions, educational programmes, publications, and special projects, creating opportunities for both emerging and established talents to engage with contemporary cultural discourse, as well as with the aesthetic and ethical vision of its founders.
Today, it holds a prominent place in the cultural landscape as a tribute to the communities, artists and places that played a fundamental role in shaping the creative journeys of its founders.
