Joana Vasconcelos

DRAG RACE

Giving tangible substance to the luxury that constitutes unrestricted self-expression, Joana Vasconcelos gave new life to a Porsche 911 Targa Carrera. Starting from the opulence of the Baroque and the generous curves of gilded woodwork, the artist's research took her to the Tibães Monastery in Braga, the greatest exponent of marine motifs in gilded woodwork in Portugal, and to the triumphant specimen of the Oceans in the collection of the Coach Museum in Lisbon. She used the artisans of the Ricardo Espírito Santo Silva Foundation - from treating the wood to gilding, chiselling and engraving - to create a work that is unique in the world and is also a celebration of hand craftsmanship. Even without moving, angelic figures and sensual feathers give the piece the illusion of flight provided by speed, inviting you on a journey to the charm of the Parisian Can-can and establishing the link to the Drag Races in the United States of America from which the artist took her title.

This piece could be the mere expression of an aulic, excessive power, as immediately suggested by the symbolism of the brand of car chosen and the richness and luxury of the bodywork’s ornaments. The gilded woodwork, made from original baroque models, takes us back to the embassy carriages of King João V; and, from there, to the appropriation of Brazilian gold and games of international political influence. The addition of the colourful ostrich feathers and the chosen title, however, immediately place Drag Race in a universe of transgression (albeit consensual): a universe of fantasy and melancholic celebration.

João Pinharanda

Making Of

Artwork Details

PRODUCTION DATE

2023

DIMENSIONS

1350 x 900 x 900 cm

MATERIALS

Porsche 911 Targa Carrera, ostrich feathers, linden wood carving, gilded gold leaf, leather upholstery embossed with fine gold, metal chasing, ETRO fabric

NOTES

Artwork produced with the collaboration of the Ricardo do Espírito Santo Silva Foundation, Lisbon.

Artwork exhibited at