Venus - Valentino Garavani through the Eyes of Joana Vasconcelos
Vénus - Valentino Garavani pelo olhar de Joana Vasconcelos
Other
Friday 2 October · until 22 Feb
Marking MAAT's 10th anniversary, 'Venus' stages a dialogue between art and haute couture co-created by Joana Vasconcelos around the universe of Valentino Garavani, bringing together textile sculptures, iconic installations such as 'Marilyn' and 'Jardim do Éden', and more than 30 creations by the Italian designer.
On the occasion of its 10th anniversary, MAAT presents the exhibition Venus, Valentino Garavani through the Eyes of Joana Vasconcelos, conceived as a dialogue between art and haute couture, inspired by the universe of designer Valentino Garavani (1932, 2026). The exhibition arrives in Lisbon in an adapted version of the original project developed by PM23 | Fondazione Valentino Garavani e Giancarlo Giammetti in partnership with Valentino S.p.A. Conceived by the Italian foundation, the project was first presented in January 2026 at the cultural space in Rome created by Valentino Garavani and Giancarlo Giammetti. Based on this original concept, the exhibition at MAAT will unfold in a new architectural context, thus opening a new chapter in this project. Joana Vasconcelos, winner of the 1st edition of the Prémio Novos Artistas Fundação EDP in 2000, is renowned for her monumental and scenically striking installations. For this exhibition at MAAT, the artist co-created an exhibition route specific to the museum's space, which unfolds fluidly, bringing together iconic works and new creations inspired by the Italian designer's universe. Throughout Galleries 1 and 2, these works establish a harmonious dialogue with more than 30 haute couture and prêt-à-porter creations by Valentino Garavani. Valkyrie Venus, produced in 2025, stands as the heart of the exhibition that gave it its name: an imposing textile sculpture the artist conceived as a profound reflection on Valentino's legacy. Among the new works are also Pinturas em Croché, a framed series that transforms textile into a pictorial surface, inspired by the 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 emblematic works, such as Marilyn, the monumental high-heeled shoes made from saucepans and lids, Jardim do Éden, an immersive installation inviting visitors to walk through a labyrinth of artificial flowers, and Coração Independente #3, a sculpture built from plastic cutlery that mimics a traditional Viana heart. Wednesday to Monday, from 10h to 19h. Haute couture, sculpture, textile installation.