Portuguese artist Joana Vasconcelos has built her life and creative sanctuary in Lisbon, where each morning begins with a breathtaking view of the Atlantic Ocean from her studio window. The Paris-born artist, who gained international acclaim after her spectacular 2012 exhibition at the Palace of Versailles, draws daily inspiration from the same waters that launched Portugal's great navigators into the modern era. Her latest collaboration with prestigious porcelain house Bernardaud, featuring an enormous teapot sculpture called "Thé Dansant," was recently showcased at Artcurial gallery in October 2025.
"I love the light of Portugal," Vasconcelos explains, describing how her window opens directly onto the ocean, offering beauty every single day. "The first thing I see when I wake up is the Atlantic. Just looking at the sky every morning gives me the desire to live, to create, to be part of this world. And I think that if it's as beautiful as it is here, then it's worth it. I always want to go elsewhere!"
Vasconcelos, known for her bold and whimsical installations including the famous golden helicopter adorned with pink feathers that graced Versailles' 1830 room, describes herself as having a driving temperament and an unstoppable nature. Her latest work with Bernardaud features an ornate teapot sculpture with wild arabesques, described as being "as big as the Ritz hotel," demonstrating her continued commitment to large-scale, eye-catching art pieces.
The artist's studio is strategically located at the historic departure point where Portugal's legendary navigators once set sail to discover unknown worlds. "The Portuguese have always left from here to discover the world, and that's exactly what I do," she reflects. "My workshop is situated at the place where all the great Portuguese navigators raised anchor and where their wooden ships were built, which seem quite humble today in the face of the ocean's immensity."
Vasconcelos draws profound inspiration from the courage of these historical explorers who embarked on journeys lasting several months into the unknown, uncertain whether the lands and peoples they sought to reach even existed. "It was an incredible challenge," she notes, comparing their adventurous spirit to her own artistic journey. This connection to Portugal's maritime heritage deeply influences her creative process and worldview.
"Here, we say there are two kinds of Portuguese," Vasconcelos explains, articulating what she calls "Portuguese ambiguity." "Those who have never gone anywhere, and those who got on those boats without knowing where they were going. I'm one of those who get on the boats. We don't really know where we'll arrive, but we arrive somewhere!" Despite her love for exploration and travel, she expresses great pleasure in being in Lisbon, noting the Portuguese characteristic of having everything in front of them while always needing something else.
The artist's personal journey began with her first trip from Paris to Lisbon at age three, and she has remained in her ancestral homeland ever since. This early connection to Portugal has shaped both her identity and artistic vision, allowing her to maintain deep roots while pursuing international recognition and collaboration.
Looking ahead, Vasconcelos has an ambitious exhibition schedule that reflects her global reach and continuing influence in the contemporary art world. In January 2026, she will present her work at the Valentino Foundation in Rome, followed by a major exhibition at the Long Museum in Shanghai in March. These upcoming shows demonstrate her ability to bridge different cultures and artistic traditions while maintaining her distinctive Portuguese identity and oceanic inspiration.
