Joana Vasconcelos is headlining Malta's International Contemporary Art Space (MICAS) opening exhibition – 'Transcending the Domestic'
The renowned Portuguese artist will inaugurate Malta International Contemporary Art Space (MICAS), Malta's first museum dedicated to contemporary art, with an expansive solo exhibition opening in October 2024. Vasconcelos, known for her vibrant and thought-provoking installations, will be the first artist to showcase her work in the newly restored Ospizio complex, a 17th-century fortress that fronts Marsamxett Harbour, offering a breathtaking view of Valletta, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Vasconcelos, who recently made headlines for her commissioned stage design for Christian Dior’s 2023-2024 Paris Fashion Week show, will bring her signature blend of exuberant colour, monumental scale, and social commentary to Malta. Her exhibition at MICAS will explore themes of domesticity and spirituality, presenting iconic works such as Tree of Life, The Garden of Eden, and Valkyrie Mumbet. These pieces will be juxtaposed with other installations that explore the tensions between everyday life and the search for emotional and spiritual release.
With its historic walls and light-filled galleries, the new MICAS venue provides a stunning backdrop for her monumental installations, which frequently incorporate every-day, non-precious materials in bold and unconventional ways. The exhibition is expected to resonate deeply with themes of gender and cultural politics, in line with Vasconcelos’ broader artistic practice.
