Last week, on 13 February, the Liria Palace in Madrid hosted the inauguration of Flamboyant, an exhibition by Joana Vasconcelos, one of the most renowned contemporary Portuguese artists. This showcase, bringing together some of her most emblematic creations, is the result of a collaboration with Dior, reinforcing the connection between contemporary art and haute couture in a space of profound historical significance.
The relationship between Joana Vasconcelos and Dior reflects an artistic and creative dialogue, where the savoir-faire of the maison intersects with the boldness and exuberance of the artist’s work. However, this is not the first time Dior has made an appearance at the Liria Palace. The connection between the iconic French fashion house and the House of Alba dates back to 1959, when a young Yves Saint Laurent, then newly appointed artistic director of Christian Dior Couture, presented his first collection for the maison: the iconic Trapèze line. During its international tour, the collection was exhibited at Liria Palace, further strengthening the bond between the world of haute couture and European aristocracy.
Now, decades later, Joana Vasconcelos’ art and Dior’s legacy reunite in this unique setting, celebrating creativity, craftsmanship, and the timelessness of luxury. Flamboyant marks the Portuguese artist’s first exhibition at Liria Palace. With an international career defined by monumental sculptures and installations, Joana Vasconcelos transforms the palace’s halls and gardens, creating a dialogue between contemporary art and one of the world’s most prestigious private historical-artistic collections. Unlike her previous interventions in iconic palaces such as Versailles, the Uffizi in Florence, or the Ajuda Palace in Lisbon, this is the first time her creations are integrated into a palace that is still inhabited.
The exhibition establishes a unique connection between her works and those of masters such as Velázquez, Goya, and Titian, as well as between her artistic identity and that of the Duke of Alba, whose presence can be felt in every corner of this historic space. For this occasion, Joana Vasconcelos has selected over forty of her works, seamlessly blending into the different environments of the palace, including areas never before open to the public, such as the chapel, the music room, and the gardens. Organised by the Casa de Alba Foundation and Atelier Joana Vasconcelos, the exhibition is supported, among others, by Dior, which includes J’Adore Miss Dior, one of the featured pieces in the showcase and in her recent exhibition at the Dior boutique in Lisbon. Open from 14 February to 31 July, Flamboyant invites the public to witness an unprecedented encounter between the splendour of the past and the vibrant expressiveness of contemporary art.
